



lis * ^ .^ *i:Ml/bL o ^ ^<b* * 














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HISTORY OF 

BEAVER SPRINGS, PENN'A, 



-AND- 



Centennial Souvenir 
Book. 



PUBLISHED IN COMMEMORATION OF THE CEL- 
EBRATION OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH 
ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUND- 
ING OF THE TOWN. 



1806- 1906 



A. M. AURAND, Editor. 
W. J. KLOSE AND J. P. KELLER, Historians. 



COPYRIGHTED 1906 BY A. M. AURAND. 



BEAVER SPRINGS, PA. 

AURAND PRINTING AND PUBLISHING HOUSE. 

1906. 



"/ 







Yours for a Successful Centennial -Celebration and a New 
Century of Greater Progress, 



Co, ^yt. 0CLA..^Lay2^^, 



Editor "History of Beaver Springs" and President Centennial Association, 1906. 



.J^vtfutt.. 



A Century of Time! From 1806 to 1906 is but a small part of the history 
of the world. It is a mere fraction, insignificant in extent, of the whole 
story of Time, yet it surpassed in progress and human interest all that had 
gone before. What marvelous progress has been made by man during the 
past one hundred years! Will it be possible for coming generations to equal 
or surpass the achievements of the past century by the year 2006? Only the 
Omniscient One and those persons living a century hence can answer this 
question. The reader of this volume can judge for himself or herself 
whether our little town has kept pace, proportionately, with the rest of the 
world in progress in its first century of history. 

This book is published for a two-fold purpose: To preserve in print as 
much of the history of the town of Beaver Springs and vicinity, for the 
past century, as could be collected, and to give to future generations this 
history of the past, as well as a complete description of the lown as it exists 
today, together with biographies and portraits of all its leading citizens 
and other views and items of interest. 

Unfortunately our forefathers who first settled here failed to keep records 
of events as they are kept now; writing materials were of a crude nature 
and there were no newspapers to publisfi occurrences as they took place. 
Consequently we must depend mostly on the old inhabitants, and the few 
records in existence, for the facts appearing in this volume. 

We realize that we undertook a thankless task when we commenced to 
collate the articles for this book, but we feel that twenty-five, fifty, or a 
hundred years from now, persons who will still have in their possessions 
a copy of this volume, will appreciate our efforts more than the people of 
the present day possibly can. With what gratification would we today 
read of the events connected with the founding of the town a hundred 
years ago, and of the lives of our forefathers and see their portraits in 
print ! 

The matter for this work was collected, and the book published, all with- 
in sixty days and as a consequence a number of errors, principally in 
typography, have occurred. Although working from sixteen to eighteen 
hours a day, numerous other duties prevented us from giving this work 
the undivided attention it deserved in the brief time allotted for its puDlica- 
tion. 

We desire to express our most cordial thanks to the following people who 
have aided us in getting out this work: To the historians, W. J. Klose and 
J. F. Keller, Esqs., for the sketches of town history; to Mr. W. J. Klose 
for sketches of the churches, cemeteries and other articles of interest, which 
took much time and research; to Mr. J. C. Schambach for recollections of 
the past; to employes of the Printing and Publishing House, who would, if 
necessary, have worked day and night, until exhausted, to get this book 
out on time. These faithful employes include W. Edgar Miller, foreman; 
Netta E. Klinepeter, Mary Kempfer, Minnie Steely, compositors; Emma 
Wetzel, stenographer; Frank Mattern, make-up; Ray Lantz and Artie 
Moyer, press feeders; Ruth Qundrum, proof-reader; S. F. Aurand, engineer; 
Clymer Romig and Ira A. Kline, clerks in the newspaper and book pub- 
lishing departments, respectively; also Ambrose W. Aurand, editor of the 
"Sunbury News," for services rendered. 

In order to perpetuate this work, we kindly ask every reader of this book 
to send us items of any history or events not appearing in this book, which 
they now possess or which may recur in their minds, all of which 
will be carefully preserved by the editor for the use and information of 
future generations. Kindly report all errors occurring in this volume so 
that proper corrections can be made. 

Your Humble Servant, 

THE EDITOR. 
Beaver Springs, Pa., Sept. 1, 1W6. 



IIISTOIJV OF HKAVKK SrRINCS 
JAMES F. KELLER, Esq., (Centennial Historian.) 

The subject of this sketch was born in Luzerne county near Kingston 
boroui^h. Pa., on the 2Ist day of June, 1842. He is a son of Isaac Keller and 
Helen Keller, whose maiden name was Rhoades. About six months after 
his birth, his parents moved on the old Keller homestead about a mile 
southwest of Beaver Springs. He attended the public schools at Adams- 
burg (now I>eaver Springs) and Freeburg Academy. 

He commenced to teach in the public schools at the age of eighteen 
and has taught thirty-six winter terms and three summer terms and ex- 
pects to enter upon the thirty-seventh term on Sept. 10, 1W6. 

He served as a private in Company I)., 74th Regiment Penna. Vols, dur- 




ing the Civil war, and is a charter member of Maj. William H. Byers' Post 
G. A. R. He was the first adjutant of the Post and served in that capacity 
a number of terms. He served three years as commander of the Post, also 
as chaplain. 

He served fifteen years as Justice of the Peace in and for Spring town- 
ship, is now serving his second term as Notary Public which expires on the 
8th day of May, 1Q()9. He also served as secretary of the Adamsburg Cem- 
etery Association since its organization in 1892. 

He was married to Susan, a daughter of John D. Smith, on the 15th 
day of December, 1864. Of this union the following were their issue : 
Laura M., married to Charles E. Loudenslager and lives at Mifflinburg, Pa.; 
William I., married to Mamie Beaver and lives two miles west of Beaver 
Springs; Annie M., died in infancy, and Jennie Ci., married to Fred G. 
Hollman and lives at Lewistown, Pa. He is a member of St. l^eter's Evan- 
gelical church and Sunday school at Beaver Springs. 



®l|r (irigmal i>fttlrmrut nf tl|ts ®frrttnry, Prtnr tn tl|r Jl^nmtii- 



By JAMES F. KELLER, Esq. 

It is botli interesting and instructive to study the history of our an- 
cestors; to understand by what toils, througli wliat (Hfficulties, over what 
obstacles they, from a feeble colony planted in an unexplored wilder- 
ness, struggled up to a position of wealth and power; in what manner 
they constructed this Commonwealth, which, with its puldic works, 
manufactories, its mineral wealth, its churches, its noble charities, its 
common school system, its enterprise and wealth, unexcelled in any oth- 
er state, is transmitted to this generation. 

This territory, at the time of the discovery of America by Colum]:)us, 
was inhal)ited by Indians, who were divided into distinct tribes, spoke 
different dialects of a conmion language, and lived principally by hunt- 
ing and fishing. 

Those who dwelt in the country between the Delaware river and the 
Blue Mountains were the least warlike of all the tribes, and were called 
the Delaware Indians l)y the first white settlers; liy that name they have 
ever since been known. The Monseys, or ^^^olf tribe, inhabited the 
mountainous country along the Susquehanna. The tribes of the Six 
Nations inhabited the northern border of the State, from the Delaware 
to Lake Erie, and were called Mingoes by the natives and Iroquois by 
the French. 

The Indians of the Six Nations were a lirave and powerful people. 
The Delawares and some of the trilx^s of the interior of the territory, 
which afterwards became the State of Pennsylvania, were under the pow- 
er of the Mingoes, to whom tliey paid trilnite at the time the first white 
people from Europe visited this country. In all treaties, therefore, made 
with tlie early settlers by the tribes in this territory it was necessary to 
obtain the counsel of the Six Nations. 

The shores of the Delaware were first visited by European mariners 
in 1609 when Captain Henry Hudson, sailing on an exploring expedi- 
tion to America under the patronage of the Dutch East India Company, 
touched at the mouth of the bay, but finding shoal water, withdrew, and 
sailing northward entered the mouth of the great river which bears his 
name . 

Contentions among the Dutch, Swedes and English were prevalent 
in the territory until the year KiSl when a charter was given to William 
Penn for that part of the territory which afterwards became Pennsylvania 
and Delaware. 

William Penn was the son of Sir ^^'illiam Penn, a distinguished Ad- 
miral in the English navy, who had won high reputation in constant 
and active service by defending the honor of the kingdom in many en- 
gagements on the high seas. William was born on the 14th day of Oct- 
ober, 1644, in London. He was reared and educated in court society, 
and at an early age gave proof of the possession of those superior quali- 



IIISTOin' OF r>KAVKIJ SI'RIXCS. 

tics of Iicnrt !Ui(l inti'llccl for which iu after life he lu'ciunc justty cclehrntcd. 

It was the desire of liis father tliat he should enter the army, thnu,u,h 
later, and aft( r he had csi)i)US('d {\\v doctrnies of the (Quakers, the old 
A<lniiral refust'd to allow a conimi.ssion to he issued to hlni, hut preferi'ed 
that the young man should go to Ireland to manago the estates of tho 
family near Cork, where he proved himself an exact aivl faithful man 
of hiisiness. 

Whik' a stutlentat Oxford, William Penn liad heen deeply alfected 
liy the i)reaching of Thomas Loe, and soon after his arrival in li-eland 
he learned that his old friend was to preach at the Friends' Meeting in 
Cork and resolved to heai' liim. The preacher discourssMl of true faith 
which overcomes the World. Penn's conscience' was smitten and his 
principles lixed in the doctrines with which he was ever afterwards iden- 
tilied. Persecution followed rapidly upon profes.sion. He, with other 
friends, was arrested and sent to prison, but was unconditionally released 
ujxin his own application to the Tx)rd President of Munster. 

The rumor rapidly spread throughout the kingdom that young Penn 
had hecome a (Quaker, and his father summoned him to England. The 
Admii-al endeavored to overcome the resolution of his son; failing to 
persuade him, he exili'd him from home. During the period of this 
hanishment he was supported hy an allowance secretly conveyed to him 
hy his mother. Soon thereafter he was arrested on a charge of heresy, 
because of sentiments which he had published in a controversy with a 
Presbyterian clergyman. H(^ was confined in prison nine months. 
While in prison he wrote' another pamphlet explanatory of the first, and 
in a short time after that was released; his father's intlnence with the 
Duke of ^'ork having enlisted that nobleman in his cause. Feeling for 
those who had espoused the (Quaker doctrines as well as for himself he 
now determined to establish a home for those persecuted for conscience s 
sake in the wilds of America among the children of the forest, who be- 
came the firm friends of the Qnakers. 

When Admiral Penn dii'd h(> left to his son William a claim against 
the English government for the sum of sixteen thousand pounds, i)ai'tly 
for money advanced and i)artly for services rendered. 

The king was fond of pleasure and he spent so nnich money on him- 
self and his friends that he had none left to pay his just del)ts. Peini 
knew this, so he told His Majesty that if he would give him a pie'ce' of 
wild land in America he woulel ask ne)thing more. The king was very 
glad to settle' the' ae'count se) easily. He there'fore gave Pe-nn a gre'at ter- 
ritory ne)rtli ()f Maryland and west of the De'laware' River. The land at 
that time was ne)t tlH)Ught te> be wa)rth nnich. Ne) one then had dise'ov- 
ere'd the fae't that bene'ath Penn's woods tlu're were immense beds of 
coal and iron, which would one day be of greater value than all the 
riches of the King e)f F^ngland. 

The' artie-les e)f the' grant were' writte'U in Old l^jiglish style-, on 
strong parchment, each line' undersce)re'el with red ink and the- borde'rs 
elaborately decorated anel be'aring elate the 4th day of March, 1(*).S1. 
This document is still prese'rve'd and is hung up in the Executive Cham- 
ber at Harris! )urg. 

On the 10th elay e)f April, KlSl, j'ciin ai)pointed his e'ousin, Wil- 
liam Markham, deputy governor of the Province. He wrote' a letter to 
the i)eo[)le residing in the territory described in his charter, which, to- 



HISTOltY OF BKAVER SPRINGS 

gctlior with tlie King's proclamation, he sent to America by Mnrkham, 
wlio arrived in New York on the 21st of June. He tliere procured fro]ii 
the Commander and the Council a letter addressed to the several p(M)ple, 
Justices of the Peace, magistrates and other officers inhabiting within 
the bounds and limits of the territory included in the grant notifying 
them of the change that had V)een made in tlieir government. Within a 
few days after receiving this letter Markham arrived in tlie Province of 
Pennsjdvania, and at once assumed the administration of Public affairs. 

In his letter to the people, Penn said: 

"I hope you Avill not be troubled by your change, and the King's 
choice, for you are now fixed at the mercy of no governor that comes to 
make his fortune great; you shall be governed by laws of your own mak- 
ing, and live a free, and if you will, a sober and industrious people. I 
shall not usurp the right of any, or oppress his person. (Jod has fur- 
nished me with a better resolution, and has given me grace to keep it. 
In short, whatever sober and free men can reasonal)ly desire for the se- 
curity and improvement of their own happiness I shall heartily comply 
with, and in hve months resolve, if it please God, to see you." 

The first court held in the Province under Penn's charter convened 
at Upland on the 13th of September, the same day to which the old 
court under the former governor had adjourned. The second sessii^n 
was held on the 8th of November, when Markham j^residcd in person. 
One of the first acts of this tril)unal Avas the prohil)itiou of the sale of 
intoxicating liquors to the Indians. 

During tlie year 16<S1 three ships carrying emigrants sailed from 
England for Pennsylvania. One of these vessels, "The Bristol Factor," 
arrived in the Delaware on the 11th of December; the "Sarah and.Iohn" 
arrived earlier, but no record of the day is preserved ; the otlier ship 
called the "Amity" reached the Province in the spring of 1682. 

Three commissioners, appointed I)y Penn, came in these ships. They 
were instructed to prepare the Province for the reception of colonies of 
emigrants. They were to survey the land, to sound the river and ex- 
amine the ground, so as to find the most favorable location for a great 
connnercial and manufactiuing city, which Penn had promised to lay out 
and establish for liis people. Should the building of the city l)e begun 
l)efore his arrival, he directi'd the commissioners to have the people place 
tlieir houses in the middle of the plots, "That there may l)e ground on 
each side for gardens, or orchards, or fields, that it may be a green 
country town, which will never l^e burnt and always wholesome." 

These commissioners brought with them a letter from P(nin to the 
Indians living on the Delfiware, in Avhich he said : 

"I have great love and regard toward you, and desire to win and 
gain ytmr love and friendsliip by a kind, just and peaceable life; and 
the people I send are of the same mind, and shall in all things behave 
themselves accordingly; and if in anything they shall offend you or your 
people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction." 

On the oOth day of August, 1()S2, Penn eml)arked in the ship "Wel- 
come" at Deal and sailed for America in company with al)Out one hun- 
dred emigrants, mostly memljers of the Society of Friends. During the 
voyage small-pox broke out among the passengers and thirty of the emi- 
grants died. He arrived at New Castle on the 27th of October. The 
people of the town came forward to welcome tlie uow proprietary, and 



HrSTOHV OF 1^KAVK1{ spinN(;s. 

to sifj^nify tlicii- willingness to accept liis government and to obey his laws. 

I'enn soon endeared liiniself to the Indians h^^ engaging in their 
sports and granting the little favors they chanced to ask. 

There were at this time at least three distinct and separate tribes in 
the wilderness of Eastern Pennsylvania. The Delawares, or Leni Lenape, 
living on the river; the Mingoes, living on the Conestoga, and the Shaw- 
anese on the Susquehanna. To each of these tribes Penn sent invita- 
tions to meet him on the bank of the Delaware at Shackamaxon (now 
Kensington.) This was selected as the most approi)riate treaty ground, 
liecause it was the place where for many generations the Indians had 
been accustonu'd to met't in council. It was, as the original name Sach- 
emexing signifies, the place of kings or sachems. 

The tribes assembled under the wide-spreading branches of a large 
elm tree. The chiefs sat in front with their c(mncillors; behind them, 
arrangt'd in the form of a semi-circle, sat the young men and warriors, 
and l)eyond these sat the women. The (ireat Sachem Taminend, the 
most royal-looking of them all, was the center of the vast assembly, and 
was the leader and spokesman. 

When i\'nn, accompanied l)y a few of his friends, all unarmed, ap- 
l)roached the council fire, wdiich had been kindled in front of the assembled 
tribes, Taminend put on his chaplet surmounted \)y a small horn, the 
emblem of kingly power; then through an interpreter, announced to Penn 
that the nations Avere ready to hear him. 

In replj' to this invitation, Penn said, "The Great Spirit, who 
made me and you, who rules the heavens and the earth, and who knows 
the innermost thoughts of men, knows that I and my friends have a 
hearty desire to live in peace and friendship with you and serve you to 
the uttermost of our power. It is not our custom to use hostile weajions 
against our fellow creatures, for which reason w^e have come unarmed. 
Our object is not to do injury, and thus provoke the Great Spirit, l)ut to 
do good." 

"AVe are met on the liroad pathway of good faith and good will, so 
that no advantage is taken on either side, but all to be optain ess, brother- 
hood, and love." Then the governor unrolled a parchment containing 
stipulations for trade, and promises of friendship, wdiich by means of an 
interpreter, he explained to tlu'm, article by article, and placing it on 
the ground, he said: "The ground shall be common to both pcoi)le. I 
will not do as the Marylanders did, that is, call you children or brothers 
only; for parents are apt to wdiip their children too severely, and brothers 
will sometimes differ; neither will I compare our friendship to a chain, 
for the rain may rust it, or a tree may fall and break it; but I will con- 
sider you as the same tic^sh and blood as tlu^ christians, and the same as 
if one man's body were to l)e divided int(j two parts." 

This siM'cch was listened to by the Indians in perfect silence, and with 
much gravity. They took some time to deliberate, and then the king 
ordered one of his chiefs to speak to William Penn. The Indian oratoi- 
advanced, and in the king's name saluted him; then, taking him by the 
hand, in a few^ Avords gave him pledges of friendship, and assured him 
that the "Indians and the English will live in love aslongasthe sunand 
moon shall endure." 

Though the articles of this treaty were I'edueed to writing, no trace of 
the original record can be found, in a speech delivered by (lovernor 



HISTORY OF BEAVER SPRINOS 

(iordon in Maj', 172S, to the tribes represented at his council, lie refer- 
red to this treaty, warmly connnended the Indians fur their fidelity to 
the pledges of their fathers, and recited nine articles as the chief links in 
the strong chain, that had for ni(»re than half a century, hound tliem to- 
gether in unl)roken peace. 

The great elm, named the "Treaty Tree," under which Penn's council 
was held, was blown down by a violent storm in 1810. Upon the ground, 
where for more than 200 years, it had cast its shadow, a small monu- 
ment has been erected by the Penn Society of Philadelphia, and a young 
elm, sprouting from the roots of the old tree, has now grown up to per- 
petuate the memory of this important event in the history of Pennsylva- 
nia. The treaty ground Avas afterwards purchased by, and is now the 
property of the state. 

In all treaties made with the Indians, Penn and his representatives a- 
greed, that no settlement of white people should be estal)lished in any 
territory, that had not been purchased from the natives by the proprie- 
taries. These stipulations were faithfully observed l)y the government, 
and pt ace was preserved in the Province, until foreign influences and the 
inroads of hostile tribes involved the whole countrv in war. 

The different parts of the Province were opened for settlement l)y six 
great purchases. The first, imder Penn's authority, was made in 1()S2, 
and is known as the "walking purchase;" it extended along the Dela- 
Avare al)ove Philadelphia; the second was made in 1786, and included 
the southeastern quarter of the Province; the third made 1749, com- 
prised a narrow belt of land lying diagonally across the Province from 
Pike to Dauphin county; the fourth made 1758, comprised a tract lying 
west of the Susquehanna, from the great forks at Northumlxn-land, south- 
ward to the southern boundary of the Province; the fifth and largest 
purchase was made in 1768 and comprised an irregular belt of land ex- 
tending from the extreme northeastern to the extreme southwestern cor- 
ner of the Province. This Avas the last negotiation made under the 
proprietary authority . 

A l)oard of commissioners, appointed by the State, met the western 
tribes at Fort Mcintosh, on the Allegheny river, in 1785 and purchased 
the northwestern territory. By this treaty the Indian title to Pennsyl- 
vania was wholly extinguished. 

After the treaty of 17()8 the territory thereby opened to settlers was 
organized into counties. In the south, Bedford county was erected in 
1771; Northumberland county, in the central and northern part of the 
province, was established in 1772. 

The pioneers in Northumberland were English and Scotch-Irish; but 
the Germans, Avho began to innnigrate about the l)eginuing of the eight- 
eenth century, are now in the majority, espt cially in the southern part 
of the county. In 1747, the Moravians established a mission at the 
Indian town of Shamokin, Imt the station Avas soon abandoned. In 1756 
the Provincial government of Pennsylvania erected a fort at that place. 

The territory Avithin tht' limits of the county was part of tAvo dif- 
ferent purchases from the Indians, made in 1749 and 1768. Pioneer 
families came in from the Scotch-Irish settlements of the Kittatinny \'al- 
ley, and from the Quaker communities in the lower counties, \\4ien 
Northumlun-land Avas erected into a county, March, 1772, Sunbury, the 
county town, Avas laid out by the survey or general Avho erected a frame 



HISTOIJV OF liKAVKR SPRIXdS 

house on its site. A small g-ari'ison licld the fort at this place (lui'iiij^- the 
Ivevolution. 

In ISl;*) that territory whieh now comprises the counties of Tnion 
and Snyder was separated and organize(l into a ("ounty known as Tnion 
county; this county held its first court in the town of ^IitHiid)urK, .■ind 
later New Berlin hecanie the county seat and remained so until l.sr)r),when 
the county was divided intt)two counties, viz: Union and Snyder, so named 
in honor of Gov. Snyder, one of the pioneer governors of Pennsylvania. 



WILLIAM J. KL05E, (Centennial Historian.) 

William J. Klose is the great-great-j^randson of RrnestKlose, a great- 
grandson of Jacob Klose. a grandson of Daniel and son of Reuben and 
Sarah A. (nee Middleswarthi Klose. Ernest Klose, the great-great-grand- 
father, emigrated from (lermany along 1740 or 1750, it is supposed from the 
vicinity of Heidelberg, and this supposition is supported and strengthened 
by the following facts as related by Rev. Charles Luther Klose, a cousin of 
\Villiam J., who is now a Congregational minister in Philadelphia, and a 
son of Rev. Daniel Klose, D. D., of Tempe, Arizona, who is a son of Daniel 
Klose, Sr., the grandfather of the subiect of our sketch. The Rev. Charles 




Klose graduated from the Highland University, Highland, Kans., and Yale 
I heological Seminary. After his graduation "he spent a year in the German 
schools at P.erlin and Heidelberg, and while at Heidelberg he learned of a 
street in the city named Klose avenue and met families of Kloses, who in 
conversation told him that long years before Kloses emigrated to America 
from that neighborhood. RrnestKlose located in Weisseburg township, 
Northampton county. Pa., and died ten or fifteen vears later. Among his 
sons was Jacob, who moved from Northampton county about 1811. Jacob 
had three sons, Solomon, Daniel and Jacob, and when Daniel was sixteen 
years of age he moved to what was then Northumberland county, after- 
wards Union, now Snyder county, and located two or three miles" east of 
Beavertown, near Dreese's bridge, north of the Middle creek, on the farm 
now owned by Daniel Hassinger, which in part constituted the original 



HISTORY OF BEAVER SPRINGS. 

farm. Jacob died and was buried in the Hassinger church yard. At his 
death the farm was divided between Daniel and his brother Jacob, Daniel 
receiving that portion now owned by Mr. Hassinger and he raised a fam- 
ily of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, namely: Eph- 
raim, Reuben, Daniel, George, James, Alfred, Jeremiah, Susan, Leah, 
Elizabeth, Sarah, Amelia, Marietta and Emmaline. In the year 1854, with 
nearly all his children, he moved to Michigan and located near Three Riv- 
ers, St. Joseph county. He was twice married, first to a Miss Good, who 
died and is buried (supposedly) at Hassinger's cemetery. His second wife, 
a Miss Steininger, was a daughter of Dewalt Steininger; she died and is 
buried in Moore Park, St. Joseph county, Mich., alongside of her husband, 
who died in 1869 at the age of seventy-four years. His son Reuben Klose, 
was at one time or other engaged in boating on the Pennsylvania canal, 
harness making and mercantile pursuits, and had four sons and one daugh- 
ter, namely, Oliver M., William J., Howard P., Daniel W. and Susan J., 
now married to Adam Smith. He was born Sept. 13, 1821, died March 24, 
1891, and is buried in the old cemetery. His wife, Sarah Ann, was born 
Jan. 6, 1827, died Feb. 13, 1900, and lies buried beside her husband. William 
J. Klose, the son of Reuben Klose, on his mother's side was a grandson of 
Hon. Ner Middleswarth and great-grandson of John Middleswarth, who 
was of Scotch-Irish descent, and Martha, his wife, and was born Oct. 18, 
1846, in this town, in the house (since remodeled) where Foster Smith now 
resides, where at the time his father carried on the harness trade. The sub- 
ject of this sketch is of patriotic lineage. (His grandfather, Capt. Ner Mid- 
dleswarth, raised a company of volunteers in the War of 1812 and again in 
1814; he also raised a company in 1846 to fight the Mexicans. The father 
of the subject of our sketch served in the army. War of the Rebellion, for 
two enlistments, in Co. H, 184th Regt., P. V., and Co. H, 36th P. V. and 
was drafted and sent a substitute, being unable to go at that time.) The 
patriotic spirit of his forefathers being infused in the veins of young Klose, 
he at the age of seventeen years, enlisted in Co. F, 184th Regt., P. V., for a 
term of three years and served until the close of the war; was in all the 
engagements of his regiment until he, with many others of his regiment, 
were taken prisoners of war on the firing line in front of Petersburg, Va., 
June 22, 1864, and for over ten months was confined in Libby, Belle Isle, 
Danville, Millen, Blackshire, Thomasville and Andersonville prisons, most 
of the time in the latter prison, by far the worst of all southern prisons. At 
Jacksonville, Fla., was paroled April 29, 1865, was discharged at Harris- 
burg, Pa., June 2, 1865, and arrived at the home of his parents inthistown 
the same day. He was clerking, with other engagements, until 1869, when 
he began to serve an apprenticeship at the tanning trade, at which he 
worked for about three years, but on account of being subject to rheuma- 
tism had to abandon that business. In 1870, May 22d, he married Miss 
Mary E. Dreese, daughter of Henry and Mary (nee Amig) Dreese, and 
raised two sons, Claude H. and Charles R., and one daughter. Myrtle Q., 
now married to W. F. Sellers, who resides in Yeagertown, Mifflin county. 
In 1872 he built a harness shop and engaged his father and learned the 
trade from him, and continued the manufacture of harness, etc., until the 
present time, with the exception of a period of nine years, from 1878 to 
1887. In 1878, with others, he went to Kansas and took up a homestead in 
Russell county and farmed for four years; returned to this town and went 
into the mercantile business with Adam Smith, in the firm name of Klose 
& Smith; sold out to his partner in 1887 and returned to his trade of har- 
ness making. The comrades of Maj. Wm. H. Byers Post, No. 612, elected 
him Commander two terms. Senior Vice-Commander one term, and ad- 
jutant for fourteen terms, which office he still fills. He has been a collec- 
tor of taxes for three years and is re-elected for another term of three years. 
He became a member of the Reformed church in 1876, Rev. L. C. Edmonds, 
pastor, and still holds to that faith, holding the offices of trustee and elder 
for years. Mr. Klose is the chairman of the Historical committee of the 
Centennial Association for 1906, and to him the readers of this volume are 
indebted for many facts of history and incidents occuring during the past 
one hundred years, which appear in this book. He is held in high esteem 
by all who know him. In politics he is a staunch Republican and has 
served several terms as county committeeman. 



ATijiiUnrnnf thr amuu. frnm mUlt. lUhnt 3lt Has JFiutniifii. 
llnttl UUUt. (Oitr CCrntrmtial Anntitrrflani. 



By W. J. KLOSE, Esq. 

Tlic t(MTitory iKiw cinlivnciiig nearly all of SnydcM- county was in 
I7C)S called Penn township, Cuiiihci'land county. The counties of the 
rennsylvania colony were so largi' that division was inevitahle, so on the 
lilst day of ^hircli, 1772, when the great Connnonwealth was still <ine 
of the colonies, Xortlunnherland county was created out of parts of 
JJei'ks, IJedford, Lancaster, Northampton and C'unihei'land counties. The 
county Avas divi(U'd into seven townships, as follows: i*cnn's, Augusta, 
Turhot, Buffalo, J^ald Eagle, Muney and Wyoming. 

'IMie courts were first held in tlie Fort (Fort Augusta, now Sunhury) 
until the courthouse was huilt. 

Among the inhalntants of I'enirs townslii[) (now Snyder county), 
we lind the names of John AumilU'r, Philii) Aumiller, \\'illiam IMythe, 
.Jacob Carpenter, (Jeorge (Jahricl, Jacoh Ilannnersly, John Lee, Arthur 
^h)..dy, Michael Heager, (Jeorge Hinc, John Reighhaugh, Michael Kod- 
man, Caspt'r Reed, Frederick Stump (of Indian massacre fame at Stump's 
Run, now Middlehurg), Peter Stroup, Adam Stephen and Andrew Shafer. 
\\^' tind the (Jifts, Herrolds and L(>pl(\vs came into the ^Iidd!eci-eek \^al- 
ley in the year 1771. 

In the year 178!) we tind many names adde(l to tlie list of residents 
of Penn's township. (See page 2r),S in History of iUifi^'alo Valley.) In 
17!>2 John and Martha ^Nliddleswarth, of Scotch-Irish descent, with their 
son Ner, then a boj^ often years of age, moved from New Jersey and lo- 
cated in what was now Penn's township, Northumberland coimty, aliout 
one mile south of where Reavertown is located, where they built a home, 
farmed and raised a large family. 

John Middleswarth was l)orn in the year 1744. Died ^Tay 14, iSlo, 
in his 71st year of age. 

^lailha, his wife, was born in the year 17o(). Died Oct. ■'■>, lS-24, in 
her 74th year of age. 

These pioneers lie buried in the old cemetery at this place. Their 
son Ner grew to be a hearty, robust frontiersman and a leader among his 
e(mirades. He was married to Christina Swartzcop, early in life and 
reared six sons and six daughters. Wlu'u the war of 1S12 broke out he 
raised a company of volunteers and entered the service as captain. 
(Names of company given in History of Buffalo A'alky page 410.) His 
company was attached to the Sth riflemen. Col. James Irwi.i's Brigade. 
In 1S14 Capt. Middleswarth raised another com{)any, (for names S(^e 
History of Buffalo \'alley, page 427) and was calle<l the Union Rifle 
Volunteers, attached to the rifle batallion conmiaiided by Capt. John 
Ulile, in the Light Brigade, commanded by Gen. Thomas Cadwalader. 
Between the years of l.Slo and 1S86 he was elected to the State Legislature 
thiileen times. (For the years see pages ^oS and ">o"J, History of Buffa- 
lo X'alley.) In 1S4S he was elected to the State Senate and in 1S58 was 
chosen to serve his district in the )V.\(\ Congress and in lSr)S was elected to 
his last public ollice, that of associate judge of Snyder county and served 
his full term of five years. 

During his life he accumulated consiilerable wealth, but lost the 



HISTORY OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

greater portion in a venture in the Beaver Furnace. He was for a long 
time largely identified with the properties and interests of this town. He 
lived on what is now the Ner A. Feese farm (a grandson), one mile 




CAPT. NER MIDDLESWARTH. 

At the Age of Thirty Years, When He Raised a Company of Volunteers at the Outbreak 
of the Revolutionary War in 1812. (From a Rare Hand-Painted Portrait.) 

south of Beavertown. He was horn Dec. 12, 1788, died June 2, 1S()5, 
aged SI years, 5 months and 2 days. Christina, his wife, was horn Apr. 
Nth, 17S9, died Feb. 2, 1861, aged 71 years, 9 months and 24 days. 
They both lie in the cemetery at Beavertown. 

In 1791 Ave find the names of Grimm, Bopp, Hassinger, Moyer and 
Friedlys added to the list of residents of the township and in the vicinity 
of Beaver Dam, and in the same year Conrad Bopp erected a hemp mill 
near Beavertown, and Jacob Hassinger a tanyard near Beaver Dam, very 
likely the same tannery managed later by John Shirey, David Mertz 
and B. L. Raudenbush. Grist mills and saw mills soon followed, with 
here and there a distillery. 

Between the years 1790 and 1800, the Kerns, Kellers, Dreeses, Her- 
mans, Bickels, Steiningers, Maurers, Rauchs, Grosses and many others 
whose names sound familiar located in this valley. About this time Her- 
man Oberdorf, Jacob Hoffman, Jacob Grimm, Samuel Ritter, John 
Grimm, Adam Reager, Henry Mick and others located near the present 



^IST()I;^■ of ukavfij si'IMX(;s 

sitf (if Adiinisliiii-}^- or ;is it is now ciillcd l')c;iv( r Spi'iii^s, IVdiii tlic t'lict of 
t lie iiiiiiici'oiis cxccllcnl spi'iii^'s in iiiid sui'i-ouiKlin;^- llic i)l;icc. Tlic one 
DWiicil l>y L. IJ. I hiiiK'S ili'scivcs csiH cinl iiiciitidii Ix cause of it Kcin^- an 
cxccptioi.ally line sprino- witli piii-c j-ctrcsliiiij^- \val«i- and is well worth 
Ix'holdinj^. 

In the year iSOi; a town was laid out l>y Adam lU'agcr, a native of 
(ierniany, near wliat then was callecl Px'aver Dam, so named t'nmi the 
fact that the ennninj>' little animals of that name had hulll a large ih\]]> 
tln-ee-fourlhs or a mile ahove the mouth of leaver lam, now called Hea- 
ver creek, in I'enns township, Xorthumherland county. Mr. I'enger 
si'ltled on the farm now owned hy Samuel Shirey, and the new town in 
honor of Mr. Ueager was calleil or named Ileagerstown, and was known 
h,\- that name for many years; then was changed to the name of Adanis- 
hurg. .\dam I{( ager was horn Oct. 11, 174t), died :\Iarch 17, l.S2(;,age(l 




THE OLD STONE MANSION 

liiiill in 1815 on the Site now Occupied by Christ ReformeJ Church. (Photo b\ O. M. Klose.) 



()7 years, 8 months and 6 days. Charlotte Reager, his wife, was horn 
.Ian. 2-"), 175;"), died Sept. 17, ISHO, aged 7o years, 7 months and 22 days. 
Theii' hodies rt'iiose side hy side in the old cemetery at this place. Of 
their descendents thei'e is notliing known as Uwy have long since moved 
from this section. Some of the eafly settlers of the placeand vicinity we 
lind to liaA'c heen the Kcagers, Micks, Algiers, Oherdorfs, Swang(>rs, 
|)iceses, Ivushos aiid others. Among the first dwellings in an<l near the 
village were located as follows: 

One on the farm owned hy lieuhen Dreese, now farmed hy Jacoh Fel- 
ker, and was situated west of the present dwelling; it was a log house 



HISTORY OF BEAVER SPR1N(;S. 

and built across a spring. Another also on a farm of Rculx'n Dreeso, 
now farmed liy Charles H. A\"agner, and was situated at or near where 
the Reformed parsonage now stands and was also built of logs. 

One on the farm of Adam Reager, now owned l)y Samuel Shirey and 
located where liis brick dwelling now stands. 

One on the lot long owned by Dr. Isaac Rothrock; one each on the 
lots of L. R. Haines, Hurley Romig, W. H. Dreese, W. H. Riegel, O. 
^I. Klose, Fred Raught; one on the lot now occupied by the Lutheran 
parsonage and one each on the lots of Jonathan Spangler and Foster 
Smith and another on the corner where the hotel now stands. These 
with the old stone mansion, were the first luiildings in the town. 

This stone mansion was liuilt by Henry Mick in 1(S15 and stood on 
the lot now occupied by the Reformed church. It was used for a store 
and hotel, of which Henry Mick was proprietor until his death. Those 
who wished to and deliglited to trip the fantastic toe would come here 
from a great distance for the pleasure they found therein, for Mr. Mick 
in Iniilding this stately old mansion had made provision for just such oc- 
casions. On the second story the two large east rooms were divided by a 
board partition and this partition was so constructed and fastened on 
innnense hinges that the whole partition could be hung up on large bolts 
in the ceiling and securely fastened, and when thus hoisted made an im- 
mense room. INlrs. Elizal)eth Mi"k continued to keep open house for sev- 
eral years after the death of her husband. Henry Mick was born early 
in the year 1772, and died May 1, 1<SI9, in the 77th year of his age. 
]Mrs. Mick was born Jan. 17, 1778, died Jan. 20, 1S.58, aged 80 years 
and o days. 

Division OF Northumberland County AND the Formation of Union. 

The agitation for a division of Northumberland county began early 
in 1811. The reasons set forth was the great distance people had to trav- 
el to reach the county-seat. Fort Augusta (Sun Iniry) ; the cost of ferrying 
across the river and the expense for the proposed ornamenting of the 
town of Sunl)ury. At the same time it was strongly urged to erect a fire- 
l)roof building wherein to keep the county records. The contest was 
long and bitter, but on March 22d, 1818, a l)ill was passed and approved 
by the Governor forming Union county out of Northund)erland. Sec. 1 
of the Act says: "That all that part of Northuml)erland county lying 
on the west side of the river Susquehanna and the West Branch of the 
same be and is hereby erected into a separate county, henceforth to be 
known by the name of Union." A commission consisting of -lames 
Banks, of Mifflin county; Henry Haines, of Lancaster county; and Ed- 
ward Darlington, of C'hester county, was appointed to seU^ct a suitaijle 
site for a county-seat. iVfter a long contest it was finally decided that 
New Berlin (then Longstown) should be the place. From this on until 
1855 we find our town in Beaver township. Union county. 

The court house at New Berlin was finished in 181;"), and the jail in 
1817. 

At this time our town was of slow growth but industries were spring- 
ing up in the surrounding country, such as saw mills, grist mills, oil 
mills, fulling mills, woolen mills, distilleries, tanyards, etc. About this 
time a taiiyard was Iniilt on the farm now owned by William P. Gross, 
two and one-half miles northwest of town. The town was filling up and 



HISTOIJV OF HEAVER SPRINCJS 

wo find the nnnios of Thomas Voungiiian, Adam Youngman, Jolm Rom- 
ig, Samuel Dvccsc, Michael Kern, (Jeorge Ranglev, John Hall, Philij) 
^Farkley, .lacol) Long ami nlhei-s on reeoi'd up to \X2l, when we find the 
following names on the lax hst, with the resix'ctive amounts assessed 
against tiiem : 

.lohn Hall, .;')7; Joseph Long, .44; Henry Miek, $7Ah\; Ner Mid- 
dleswarth, SLSO; Michael Manrer, .KJ; Joseph Sampsel, $1.02; .John 
Kager, .01; Dewalt Steininger, .OS; Widow X'alentine, .OS; (iectrge ^^'itten- 
myer, .2S; .John IJoil'man, .(iS; Jaeoh Smith (merchant), $1.2o. 

The name (last availahle record) of John Hall appears on the tax 
duplicate of Heaver township for the year ISoO, now in possession of H. 
L Romig. This man some time after this record was made in attempt- 
ing to rescau' two of his children from his hnrning house was consumed 
in the mad fiames with his children. 

\\\' now find the names of John Bickel, a merchant, (Jeorge Miller, 
William Saltzman, Michael Bear, Henry Mitchell, (Jodlove ((Judlieh) 
Ziner, John B. Smith, (it'orge ^lert/, Isaac Keller, .lacoh Brechhill, -lac- 
oh Snuth, a merchant, Ephraim Hackman and others. 

Later appeared on the scene Adam Speeht, Henry Shirey, Peter 
Smith, Daniel Smith, L. R. Haines, Reuben Drcese, Henry Smith, 
Abraham Dreese, Jacob Dreese, (Tcorge M^agner, Henry Dreese, RcuIkmi 
Keller, merchant, Elias Aurand, John Shirey, Samuel Kessler, .Tonathan 
P)astian, Isaac Keller and Dr. Isaac Hothrock. 

Dr. Rothrock was born Nov. 22, 179S, came to this town from Mid- 
dleiiui-g about is;')") or iSfO. He was a medical stutkait of Dr. Ezra 
Doty, of Mifilintown and Dr. Thos. Vanvalzah, of Lewisburg. He prac- 
ticed medicine 4-") years; was married four times. His first wife was 
aMiss Lechner,a niece of Gov. Snyder, and died s(X)n after their marriage. 
Tlu'ir only child died in infancy'. His second wife, Miss Susan Swenk, 
died in .June, 1S.^)2, leaving seven children. His third wife, Mrs. Lydia 
Leonard, (nee Bowersox), a widow, died in February, IS.IT, leaving one 
daughter. His fourth and last wife, Angelina Wallace, died without is- 
sue March 2S, 1S71). In ISlKi he was electe(l and served one t(M-m in the 
State Legislature; died .hme S, 1S72, and he, with his four wives, lie 
buried in the old cemetery. 

We now find as citizens of and near town the following: Rev. L. 
C. Edmonds, Samuel Wetzel, William Spangler, W. H. Dreese, Rev. 
Wm. Hackman, J. O. Dreese, Samuel Llackman, John Schambach, \\'il- 
liam Markley, Philip Dreese, Jacob (Iross, Jeremiah Miller, Eph. Ronng, 
W. H. H. Dreese, Jacob (Jreenhoe, Isaac Anraiid, David Heckendorn and 
others. Mr. Heckendorn was the first superintendent of public schools 
of Snyder county. He was appointed Aug. 10, IS.").'), and serve<l two 
years. 

DUISION OK CnioN and FoKMATION of SnVUKH CoiNTV. 

On March 2d, lS5r), an act of the I.,egislature was i)assed and ap- 
proved by (Jov. Pollock, dividing Union county. The bill provided that 
tlie question should be laid before the people and be decided by popular 
vote. Accordingly an election was held INFarch KUh following, the result 
was 25r)8 for division and 2")0S against division, giving a majority of 4o 
for division and in favor of the formation of Sn.y(ler county. 

The county was divided into twelve townships, Beaver, West Beaver, 



HISTORY OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

Centre, Chapman, Franklin, Jackson, Midcllecreek, Monroe, Penn, Perry, 
West Perry and ^^^ashington; Adamsbnrg becoming situated in Beaver 
township. 

Some of the causes for division were these : For many years the old 
linildings at New Berlin had been an annoyance to all who had business 
there, so in 1S52 the people of New Berlin petitioned the grand jury to 
take measures toward the erection of new county l)uil(lings. This action 
with the railroad question, aroused a storm of opposition and eventually 
led to a di\dsion of the county, the contest being long and Ijitter. 

The act forming Snyder county provided that the county-seat should 
be located by a vote of the people and any town furnishing a guaranteed 
sul)Scription of $10,000 towards the erection of puljlic buildings should 
be entitled to become the new county-seat, Micldleburg, Selinsgrove and 
Freel)urg furnishing subscriptions approved liy the court and became 
competing towns for the seat of justice. An election was held with the 
following result: Middle])urg, 1357; Selinsgrove, 922, and Freeburg, 
20S votes; Middlel)urg tlnis becoming the county-seat. 

Approaching the: War Period. 

Dark clouds were now hovering over the once bright firmanent of the 
Nation. The prospects of the future, which had appeared so fair and 
flattering were now threatened ^^ith dissolution. Secession was hotly 
agitated throughout the South, and even had its advocates in the North, 
upon the fals(^ doctrine of states' rights. Men in high civil and military 
rank resigned that they might be free to take up arms against the Na- 
tional Government. A number of southern states had passed the ordi- 
nance of secession when Fort Sumter was fired upon. Then came the 
ever famous call from our martyred President Abraham Lincoln for troops. 
Men and boys from every quarter quickly responded and went forth to 
their country's defense, and we find Snyder county and our own village 
were not lacking in patriotism. The following persons went forth from 
our town to fight the l)attlcs of our threatened country: H. D. Specht, 
Isaac Wetzel, L. R. Haines, David Getz,Sr., David Kempfer, Capt. L. 
C. Edmonds, J. Pharus Bachman, H. Irvin Bachman, J. Wellington 
Bachman, James F. Keller, Geo. Hackman, Jno. Getz, Wm. Spangler, 
Jerre Spangler, Ed. Mitchell, Jerre Money. Banks Dreese, Barney Huf- 
ford, W. H. Smith, J. W. Specht, D. Calvin Rothrock, G. A. KHne, W. 
H. H. Dreese, Isaac Getz, and Jos. Shirey. Besides these many 
from the country surrounding, went to do and die if need be for their 
country. Here we find tlie names of twenty-five out of a population of 
aliout one hundred and fifty who were willing to offer themselves upon 
their country's altar as a blood offering for their country's good and the 
liberty of many who now disdainfully pass the old soldiers l)y. We find 
this little town sent out over sixteen per cent of her population to fight 
for the preservation of the Union. It is doubtful whether many towns 
can boast of such a record, and our little town should and can feel proud 
that her record page of patriotism stands out in such bold relief. The 
County's record is also a matter of pride. Nearly 1500 men from the 
county served in the army during the war of the rebellion, and W(>11 de- 
serve that tribute of respect in the proposed Soldier's Memorial. 

For over four long years the war raged in fierce sanguinary conflict, 
and many of our brave boys who had made their breasts a barricade be- 



TIISTOHV OF RKAVKTJ SIMUxXCtS 

twocn onr rountry and its foes lU'vcr lived to see tlie dawn of peace. Some 
died of sickness and disease, some on tlie l)lood.y field of battle, and oth- 
ers starved in tlu' (huunahle prisons of tlie south. We find tlie following 
inlial)itants have come ui)on the scene at about tliis time: Dr. A.M.Smith, 
(>. M. Klose, Alfred Smith, Wilson i)i-c(sc, Wilson and Reuben Klosc, 
Anis (iross, Jacob (Jreenhoe, Win. J. Klose, Isaac Wetzel, Sam'l F. 
Aurand, Sam'l (iundrum, Jtmathan Spangler, Dr. J. O. Wagner, Goo. 
M. Smith, A. S. Ilelfrich, F. H. Kncpp, Jno. Bolendcr, J. M. Baker, 
Thomas Keller, H. F. Kl(.se, W. H. Smith, Irvin Smith, Pharus Baeh- 
man, D. W . Klose, Irvin Bachman, Wellington Bachman, Dr. Hiram J. 
Smith, Calvin Baclnnan, liev. ('has. M. Aurand, Hev. Sanmcl (ireenhoe, 
Charles GreenlKH', and others, and later we find, Hev. Bomig, Bev. W. 
M. Landis, J. B. Spangler, Rev. W. F. Brown, Kev. Wm. Spangler, Dr. 
(\ (i. Smith, Jno. Bowersox, A. M. Aurand, H. M. Pontius, John (). 
Klingler, Ira Kline and many others now respected citizens of our town. 
Dr. A. M. Smith and A. S. Helfrich represented our county in the States 
Legislature. 

i.NDrSTIilKS AND E.NTKlUMilSKS OF TUK ToWN, PaST AXU PrESENT. 

The tirst industry as far as can l)e learned was a tannery l)uilt in 17*.)1, 
lift ecu years before the town was laid out, by Jacol) Hassinger, who did 
old fashioned tanning here for a number of years. This tannery was 
afterwards run by John Shirey, David Mertz, B. L. Raudt'ubusli, and 
otiiers, and was located on the lot now owned l)y J. M. Baker, Esq. 

Barney Hufferd was proprietor of a pottery; Adam Specht conducted 
a match factory; Peter Smith, a hat manufactory. Among the black- 
smitlis dm-ing various periods were: Jacob Dreese, Samuel Kessler, Ed. 
Mitchell, W. H. Dreese, Jonathan Spangler, T. J. Keller, Wilson Dreese, 
and others. Henry ^litchell, tinsmith ; Samuel Wetzel, cabinetmaker 
and undertaker; L. R. Haines, harness maker; Reuben Klose, harness 
maker; Wm. Spangler, coach maker; Isaac Saltzman, coach maker; ^V. 
J. Klose, harness maker; W. F. Haines, harness maker; 0. M. Klosc, 
watch maker; C. ('. Wetzel, cabinet maker; J. 0. Klingler, wagon fac- 
tory; Baker and Felker, whip factory; A. M. Aurand, printing establish- 
ment; Beaver Springs Creamery, 1). F. Spaid, manager; J. A. Kearns, 
l)icycles and typi-writers; .1. A. Cathernian, chop mill; H. I. Romig, 
stoves, pumps, etc. 

]\Iei{ciia.\ts ok the Town. 

We find that during the last cxL'utury the following named persons have 
been in the mercantile l)usiness in the town: Henry Mick, J. W. Snyd(M-, 
Jacob Smith, John Frank, Geo. Miller and Geo. Oberdorf, John Bickel, 
Henry Smith, CJeorge and Isaac Smith, Reuben Keller, B. L. Rauden- 
bush, H. Ilouser and W. H. II. Dreese, H. Houser and .lacob (ireen- 
hoe, Daniel Smith, H. I. Romig and C. M. Aurand, H. I. Romig, G. M. 
Smith and I. I. IShmbeck, A. S. Helfrich, A. S. Helfrich and G. M. 
Smith, .1. W. Specht and II. Fessler, J. W. Specht, A. H. Ulsh and Son 
(Ira), Will. cV Frank Harley and A. (}. Basilar, Frank Ilarley and A. G. 
Basilar, E. S. and H. G. Manbeck, W. J. Klose and Adam Smith, Adam 
Smith, C. H. and C. R. Klose, J. B. Spangler and J. D. Haines, J. B. 
Spangler, R. F. W'agner and J. H. Ritter, Allen Fultz, R. F. Wagner, 
Harvey and Henry M. Pontius, H. "SI. Pontius, J. W. Bowersox, J. B. 
Spangler. 



HISTORY OF BEAVER SPRINGS. 

Hotels. 

Henry Mick was proprietor of the first Hotel of tlie town, then came, 

Cliarles ^^Virman, Crossgrove, Reuben Keller, B. L. Rniidenliush, 

Henry Honser, John Liinl»ert, Noah Smith, E. C. Hamilton, ^^'m. 
Swenk, Rul)ins()n Middleswartli, Geo. M. Smith and W. E. Stahlnecker. 

Manner of Harvesting. 

The manner of cutting grain in the early days of onr forefathers was 
1)3' means of a sickle. The neighbors of certain districts would go togeth- 
er, cut, bind and shock the grain, mostly rye in the early days, then go 
to another neighbor and so on until the whole neighborhood had their 
grain cut. As many as fifteen to twenty would go together and help one 
another until the harvest work was done; after many years the grain 
cradle came into use, and was considered quite an improvement on the 
old way of cutting grain. A unique idea of the early settlers was that it 
was absolutel}^ necessary to have a bottle of liquor in the harvest field, 
and every farmer of those days had from a half barrel to a barrel of old 
rye in his cellar, and they had some gay old times in harvesting. It was 
the custom to take an early breakfast, go into the harvest field and Avork 
until about the middle of the forenoon, then some one would come into 
the field with a large basket or two, filled with good things, and the bot- 
tle filled with the sparkling liquor. After lunch they worked until din- 
ner was ready, took dinner and worked on until niglit. 

Threshing. 

The old way of threshing out grain was with the flail, especially rye; 
wheat was more frequently tread out by horses. Tlie manner of doing 
this was this way : The wheat sheaves were opened and spread out upon 
the threshing floor in the form of a circle, and from four to six horses 
were either ridden or lead around and around until the top side was well 
threshed out, it was then turned over and the process repeated until the 
grain was thoroughly threshed out. In order to prevent the horses from 
casting muck upon the wheat, some one was always ready with a large 
scoop shovel to catch the droppings. When thoroughly threshed, the 
horses were removed, and the grain and chaff shaken out of the straw by 
means of a large wooden fork ("schittle good"), thus the process was re- 
peated until all the grain was threshed, then run ovei- a fanning mill and 
cleaned, and was then ready for market. 

Markets. 

After the canal was built, the grain was hauled to Selinsgrove from 
this section and coal brought l)ack on return trips, but before the canal 
was built, our farmers, in order to market their grain, were compelled to 
haul it to Reading or Philadelphia, the distance being great, to make as 
few trips as possible, they used the large English wagon bodies to take 
large loads, requiring from six to eight horses, and it took from ten to 
twelve days to make a trip and return. 

Traveling. 

Traveling in those early days was either on horse back or in the old 
time stage coach. These stage coaches also carried IT. S. mail in connec- 
tion with passengers. They used from two to four horses. Emigration 



TIISTOIJV OF I5KAVKIJ SI'RINCS 

was ilmir ill wapms having covers. The wagons used at that time gen- 
erally had the English hodies \vhi<']i were large and eapaeious. He, who 
wished to eiiiigrate would hitch up his horses, or more likely liis oxen, 
dniiii) ill his truck (goods) chuck in his family, hisdogand gun, and pull 
out i'or a new locntioii. 

.Ma.nnki; ok ()i>I) Timk 1"'im:kai.s. 

In the event of a death the young people of the neighhorhood would in 
the evening gatlu-r at the house of mourning to set u}) (wake) for the de- 
])arted. Ahout midnight the tahle was spread and all ])artook of a re- 
l)ast, remain all night and go home in the -morning. This was repeated 
ever^' night imtil the corpse was laid to rest. In those early days, 7(3 or 
SO yenrs ago, hearses were not in general use, you could scarcely find one 
in a whole county. They therefore used the large farm wagons for a 
hearse and also for conveying the mourners, or friends. The wagons in 
those days wci-c huilt with the large English hodies, or hoxes, with largo 
end gates, which were removed and the corpse placed in the wagon. The 
end gatt' was placed on the ground, one at a time the mourners would 
step upon it and \)y the pall l)carers, one at each corner, Avould he raiscnl 
sufficiently high to enahlc them to readily step into the wagon, and take 
seats, chairs having already heen placed there, and thus were taken to the 
cemetery, mostly using four horses to draw this improvised hearse, 

Events and Incidknts. 

In those good old times, a hundred years ago, matches had not come 
into use, and fire was made in a queer manner. First a material gather- 
ed from old rotten wood or stumps, called i)unk, and thoroughly dried; 
when dry it would readily ignite. This was held to a Hint (stone) and 
struck with a piece of steel, made to fit the knuckles, causing the sparks 
to fiy in every direction, and any spark striking the punk Would ignite it 
and soon they had a l)lazing fire. 

Store coffee was a scarce article in those days, and people drank coffee 
made out of rye and wheat. Fruit was never cannecl, hut always dried. 

\\'in'ri\(;. 

Writing pens were unknown in the days of our forefathers, and writ- 
ing was done hy means of goose quills cut and shapetl in the form of pens, 
and in the early history of the schools it was thought a teacher that was 
not ahie to properly cut and shape these ([uills did not understand his 
profession. 

Illimination. 

Before tallow candles came into use, our dear old grand mothers used 
to sew, spin, do all manner of work, and read, either hy the fire in the 
hearth or l)y the light of a hird shaped lamp, the head and neck lieing hollow 
or tuhe like in shape to nicely admit a wiek,something similar to the tuhe 
of a miner's lamp; the body was a vessel or sort of reservoir to hold the 
oil, or rather should say the lard, as lard w^as mostly used. This reser- 
voir had a cover with a hinged lid to fit over and close upthelamp. Th(^ 
lamp had an attachment hy which it could he hung upon a nail, or al- 
most anywhere. The old grand mothers called this lamp "An Omshel." 

TiiK R.visi.Nc; OF Flax. 
In tile good old days of a century or so ago it was not as it is today, 



HISTORY OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

that in the event of being in need of anything, and especially dry goods, 
clothing, etc., that they could go to a neighboring store and get what 
they wanted, but all wearing apparel had to be made, and the material 
therefore raised and for this purpose flax and wool were raised. 

The flax seed was sown in April, and after it had ripened it was pull- 
ed out of roots and luuiched in small sheaves three or four inches in 
thickness, and six or eight of these sheaves were put together in the man- 
ner of a shock. After it was well dried two or three of these shocks wi^re 
l)()un(l together into large sheaves, with rye straw and hauled into barns 
and threshed. The seed was run over a fanning-mill and cleaned, tlicn 
was ready for market, and was generally taken to the oil mill and sold 
for cash. The seed was put through a certain process and converted in- 
to pure (linseed) flaxseed oil. After the flax was all threshed it was 
taken and spread out in nice rows where it remained to receive several 
rains and dry out in turns until it was thoroughly sun-parched and be- 
came brittle. It was now again bound into slieaves, then put under roof 
to keep dry. It was now run over the flax-brake and thoroughly Ijrok- 
en, then run over the (for want of a l)etter name will call it) a whipping 
or switching wheel ("schwing wrougjit. " ) Tliis being the first process of 
cleaning or separating the fibres from its woody hke substance. The 
second process of cleaning was by means of a hackle, a comb-like arrange- 
ment, a block eight or ten inches long by about four inches wide, con- 
taining from fifty to seventy-five pointed spikes, three or four inches 
long. The flax was all drawn over this comb, and repeated until perfect- 
ly clean. It was now ready for spinning. It was spun into various 
thicknesses of thread, depending for what purpose it was intended to be 
used. During the j)rocess of spiiming, this thread or yarn was wound on 
large spools, and from these spools it was run over the reel and made in- 
to hanks, these hanks were then, ])y hand, wound into balls, al)out half 
a dozen hanks on a ball. Next was the twisting of two or more threads 
together to make a heavier yarn, and was done by a regular spinning 
wheel or a wheel specially made for that purpose. Two of these balls 
were put into some receptacle to hold them during the process of twist- 
ing together. The ends of two or more balls were fastened to a spool on 
the spinning wheel and always kept taut while the wheel was running, 
and by experienced hands these threads were twisted together very com- 
joactly. After the yarn was finished it was again run over the reel and 
bound into hanks, and was now ready for the weaver. It was woven in- 
to cloth of all grades of fineness, some being of the finest of fabrics. These 
finer cloths were spread out uptm the grass and occasionally sprinkled 
with water until bleached to a perfect whiteness. 

Sheep and Wool. 

Sheep were raised by nearly every farmer, and by some quite exten- 
sively, not only for the wool, but for mutton as well. The sheep were 
shorn in the month of ^Nlay, and tlie wool takcni to the creek to be wash- 
ed, after being thoroughly washed, it was spread out upon the grass to 
dry. After it was dry, it was bound up in sheets or large cloths and put 
away until some convenient time when it was picked apart l)etween the 
thumlxs and fingers until it was all gone over with, and all dirt and for- 
eign substances removed. This work was called "Wul Stchuppa." It 
then again was tied up in sheets and sent to the carding mill to be card- 



ITISTOTJV OF HKAVKIJ SPHINdS. 



I'd. The ciinling was the work hy some sort oT inachiiK'ry, of rolling or 
working the wool into hcantiful rolls of about one half inch in thickness, 
and ahout three feet long, and was now readj' for spinning intoyarn, and 
after spiiniing and the process of twisting the same, as with the llax, it 
was ready for use, i\)r knitting, or weaving into cloth of every variety. 
Sometimes the coarser of tlie woolen yarns were taken with the coarserof 
the llaxen yarns and used alxnit half and half to make meiTs inavy wear 
fur winter, and was called, "Holblina." 



^Qr 



(iiun IJtmtrcr ^rttlm^ii nf the amiut. 



JACOB DREE5E. 

Mr. Drecse was born February 23, 1801, and 
died Tcbruary 5. 1X()0, aged 88 years, 1 1 months 



township. The old man frequently expressed 

himself in his later years of the dear scenes of 

his childhood, which were stamped indelibly up- 

and 12 days. Catherine' hi., wife (nee Hoffman) "" ^'^ memory. He told of three houses at this 

place, two on the main road and one on the hill 
where Old Adam l-Jager lived. The writer ques- 
tioned him concerning: the large spring (Haines') 
to which he replied: "1 have not known of any 
particular spring there, but it was a desolate, 
swampy and marsh>' place, covered with forest 
and hea\y undergrowth." He was married to 
Susanna, daughter of Henry Ooss, who was of 
Hnglish descent and emigrated from New Jersey 
at an early date and cut a road through the forest 
south westward all the way from Troxelville to 
within about 150 yards south of where the build- 
ings stand on the resident farm of Omanuel O. 
Snook, a distance of six miles, where he erected 




died I-ebruary 0, 1881, aged 71 years, 9 months 
and U) days. The family consisted of five boys 
and three girls, viz : W'm. H., Ed., Irvin, Wil- 
son, rtphraim, Sarah, Hlizabeth and Mary. 
[Ilizabelh died at the age of two years; Irvin was 
killed by the kick of a horse, and Sarah died in 
the state of Indiana. Mr. Dreese was born a 
mile north of Beaver Springe and learned the 
blacksmith trade at Middleburg with James Bar- 
bin, which occupation he followed for some forty 
years at Adamsburg, now Beaver Springs. 



JOHN SNOOK. 

Mr. Snook was one of the pioneer settlers of 
the town. He was a son of .lohn Snook who 
was born Januar>- 2, 1770; and died October 26, 
1864. The subject of this sketch was born April 
26, 1807, in a little log cabin beside the small 
stream at or near the present site of the cream- 
ery in this town, when the town was but one year 
old. and died August 21, 1898. He was buried in 
the St. John's (Ridge) cemetery, We^t Beaver 




a log cabin, limanuel Snook is the only son of 
John Snook and was born in 1846. He was the 
grandfather of J. 1-. Snook, assistant cashier of 
the I-irst National Bank, of Beaver Springs. 



By J. F. KELLER, Esq. 

The third historic act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania was that 
which pro^dded for the education of all the children in the Common- 
wealth at the expense of the puhlic treasury, passed in 1834. 

Previous to the enactment of this great law more than 200 acts had 
been passed in reference to this suljject, for the people of P(ninsylvania 
have ever been the friends and advocates of education and at no period 
of their history were the efforts relaxed to attain greater perfection in the 
organization and administration of a system of public schools. 

The act of 1834 inaugurated a new era in education in this state. 
From that time forward steady progress has been made. At times it 
was slow, and to many imperceptible, but public sentiment was never 
stagnaut, and legislation never went backward. With this law the found- 
ation of the system of common schools now in use was laid. It provided 




The Four-Room Public School House. (The Old Cemetery in the Foreground.) 

that a tax should be levied on all taxable propertj^ and inhal>itants, that 
townships, boroughs and wards should l)e school (Hstricts, and that 
schools should be maintained at public expense. The establishment and 
supervision of schools in each district were intrusted to a board of six 
directors to be chosen l)y the legal voters. The people in each township 
were allowed to determine by an election whether the new school system 
should be adopted or rejected, and an election upon this question might 
be held once in thrt e years. The secretary of the Commonwealth was 
made superintendent of scliools and the Legislature was authorized to 
appropriate funds annually from the State treasury in aid of the work of 
education . 

In 1835 a powerful effort was made to repeal this law, but through 
the exertions of Thaddeus Stevens, then a mend)er of the legislature, aid- 
ed by Governor ^VoU, who promised to use the veto power if necessarj^ 



IMT.I.IC SCHOOLS OF r.EAVKIl SPKINCJS 

tlic new system \v;is succrssfully (Iftciidcd mid Tree scIkkiIs were ixfiiian- 
ciitly (■slnl)lislu(l in I'cnnsylvaiii.i. 

Ill many districts the luAV was not accepted. The state liad Keen 
settled hy an intelligent, lilierty-loving ])e()|)]e, wlio had lied from Europe^ 
to escape the tyranny of governments, wherein arhitrary law destroyed 
liherty of eonscienee, and oppressed independi'nt Christians. Tliey val- 
ned free education as highly as they value(l free worship and free speech. 
All denominations of Christians, whether Protestant or Catli(»lic, came 
to Pennsylvania hringing their |)reachers and school teachers, and hy the 
side of the log cluirch they liuilt the log school house in every county 
and in every settlement . The work of educating all the children was 
made the sacred duty of the cluirch, and because our ancestors feared 
that tlie state would not do this work as well as the church did it, they 
opposed the common school system. They loved education, they favored 
free schools, but they distrusted state supervision. JUit time has wrought 
a gr(>at change, public sentiment has lieen educated along this line and 
today every trne Pennsylvanian prides himself ami boasts of our Public 
School System. 

Manj' changes and improvements have l>een made in our jiuljlic 
schools since the adoption of the Free School System. The term has. 
been extended sc^veral times. 

We will noAV venture to give a brief account of the schools of Beaver 
Springs. The first school house in the village is suj)posed to have been 
erected at the east end of the village near the end of the old cemetery. 
Then^ was a dwelling house attached t;) the building for the use of the teacher. 

The first teacher known to have occupied this dwelling was ITtairy 
Young, who taught an English and German school. 

After the adoption of the Free ^School System a second building was 
erected at the west end of the village on the site where Cljuner Roniig 
has now- erected a dwelling house. Soon after the second Inulding was 
erected the one at the east end was destroj'ed by fii'e. A new building 
was built upon the same ground and the scliools w^ere kept in these 
buildings for several years after the Civil War, when the buildings were 
condenuied and a new two-story Ijrick building was erected on Market 
street. After having lieen in use for several years the Board of Directors 
sold it to Edward Knepp, who converted it into a dwelling house. INIr. 
Knepp sold it sometime afterwards to J. W Simok, who is still living in 
it. After having sold this Imilding the Board of Directors erected an- 
other brick building one-story high, containing four rooms, on Market 
street, which is still in use. 

Following are some of the teachers who taught in these schools : 

H. (J. Norris, Edward Margretz, Amos Ober, J)avid lleckendorn 
(who afterwards became the superintendent of Snyder county), Isaac 
Ivothrock, S. P. Orwig (who later became a hutheran minister), Eli 
Pothroek, \V. N. Kiester, William rnangst, Charl(>s Phius, Ahiry Hans, 
Annie Lutz, (ieorge Landjcrt, Adam Smith, Isaac Wetzel, .lames 
F. Keller, K. C. Walter, I. N. Johns, .h)hn Kern, (liarles L. 
Wetzel, Elmer E. Wetzel, Laura M. Keller, Annie Shirvy, Ophir Felker, 
Samuel Miller, Allen Pawding,( ieorge Hackman,W. H. Smith, J. O.Kemp- 
I'er, Ira l-'ilson, Ida, lleckendorn, W. 11. Kline, Ira. Kline, Clymer Pomig, 
Picuben llassinger, Charles R. Klose, A. W . Musser, W. I. Keller, Fan- 
nie Ki(\ser,May Shinkle, Esta Voungman, Estella Komig and Lester Derr. 



i^tstnni of (ElirtBt ErfnrmPii (!Il|itrd|. 



By W. J. KLOSE, Esq. 

The firi=it organizations of the Reformed C'hureli in this valley, as 
far as can he gleaned from the very iniperfeet records at han<l, was ef- 
fected between the years 1750 and 17()0. Then the sainted Rev. Schlat- 
ter began to preach at Selinsgrove, Hassinger's, then known as Pvo^'cr's 
Bridge, Adanislmrg, called Braver Dam and Black Oak Rvidge, and later 
organized congregations at ]MiddleI)urg, Beavertown, Troxelville and J)e- 




CHRIST REI-ORMED CHURCH. 



eatur, or better known as Sanuiel's. In the early dayswlKni tlie faithfnl 
Ricv. Dr. Schlatter went the rounds of this extensive field feeding the 
hungry souls with the bread of hfe, the good old fathers were of necessity 
ol)ligcd to carry their old Hint leeks almost constantly with them, even 
on Sundays to their place of worship as a protection against the squads or 



(•IHIUIIES OF REAVER SPRINGS 

bands of i)n)\vling Indians. The exact date of the beginning of the pastor- 
ate (»f Rev. Seldatter we cannot determine, nor have we data to show how 
limg he continued his labors in the field. It is however certain tliat he 
labored here long and faithful, and laid the foundation from Avhicli 
sprung up all the Reformed Cliurches in this region. Who succeeded Rev. 
Schlatter is not detinitely determined, there may have l)een others, but 
the first after him of whom Ave find an account in an old church record, 
which is written in German, and is very incomplete, is the Rev. Geis- 
weit. This (ierman record was translated l)y Rev. W.M. Spangler, Eph 
Romig and Solomon Steininger, and on one of the pages we find the 
following: Conjunniion services were held on Trinity Sunday, ISOO. The 
names of the connnunicants are given as they api)ear : The preacher, 
Henry ^Miller, of Ilarrishurg, Jacob and Susainia Hoffman, Henry and 

Elizabeth Oberdorf, Adam and Charlotte Reger, John , John Meyer, 

]^]ve Elizabeth Meyer, Margaret Mater, Henry and Catherine Gross, Jacob 
Trau, Bernhart Eberhardt, Dorothy Eberhardt, Christopher Kline, 
Joseph Goss, Philip Eljerhardt, Frederick and Susana Stein, Henry and 
Katherine Romig, Jacob and Katherine Fry, Andrew Small, George and 
Katherine Trau, ^Nlary (irosskoppe, Mary Margaret Wagoner, Elizabeth 
^'oungnian, Henry (Joss, Henry and Elizal)eth McNulty, Susan Laub, 
Eve (iran, Magdalina Eifcldorf, ]\Iagdalina Louter. The following ex- 
planation was given: 

Thc> aforesaid Sunday fell upon the 8rd day of June on which date 
the church service was held and the officiating preacher was Reformed. 
Pastor Miller preached from 1st Cor. 8: 1(5 and 17, and Rev. Geisweit 
from Psalm 25 : 10. Upon permission the vestrymen, Lutheran and 
Reformed, the officers of Salem's churcli, that is, the present council was 
installed. 

Trustees: Lutheran, Bernhardt Eberhardt, Peter \\'agner. Elders, 
Lutheran, Adam Reger, John ]Moyer. Reformed, Casper Waunnocher. 
Deacons, Lutheran, Herman Oberdorf, Jacob Hoffman. Reformed, 
Christopher Weis, Michael Mourer. 

We notice the officers installed at this time were botli Lutheran and 
Ivcformed and may infer from that fact that even before the erection of a 
church building these services were union in character, and by reason of 
the fact that Rev. Miller was given precedence in occupying tlu^ pulpit 
and that it mentions that he is from Harrisburg we conclude he was 
onlj^ temporarily occupying the pulpit, and Rev. Geisweit following in 
his discourse is evidence that he was the regular minister in this large 
field at this time. We find the name of Mr. (ieisweit mentioned in the 
old church record as late as the year ISO."). When his labors began or 
how long they continued we are unable to determine, but what we may 
excogitate from the fragments of history at command may conclude he 
on the side of the Reformed and Rev. (ientzel for the Lutherans formed 
the first union church organization at Heaver Dam, about the year ITiX), 
and that Rev. Geisweit continued his labors here until sometime after 
the erection of the first church building. The exact date or year when 
the first church was erected is prol)lematical, but the time may of a cer- 
tainty l)e located between 1800 and ISOi), to be more exact possibly in 
I'SOT, at least after lSO(i the j^ear the plan of the town was laid, tliere is 
no dou])t of this, from the very fact of the location of the church on the 
corner of Market street and Ridge Lane, and it is not plausible that the 



CHURCHES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

town way planned to fit the location of the church had it hecn previously 
built. 

Building a School House. 

We find a subscription list in the old church record bearing date — 
1S09, soliciting funds to erect a school house near Beaver Dam church. 
This is conclusive evidence that the church was erected be- 
fore 1.S09 and that there was no regular school building before that 
date. The list names Bernhardt Eberhardt and .Jacob Dreese as the 
tniilding committee, and tlie following subscrilx'd tliereto: David Fry, 
Daniel Romig, -John Snook, .John Kessler, Philip AVagner, Jacob Bord- 
ner. Christian Mourer, Henry Kern, Adam Bear, .Jacob I^omiller, Daniel 
Hassinger, wlio subscribed 400 feet boards for the upper floor; Thomas 
Youngman and others whose names are imdescipherable. The amount 
raised by this subi^cription was $25.80. 

Completion of School House. 

Then followed anotlier sul)Scription to complete the school house 
near the B( aver Dam church, and names .John Jjchr and .John Royer as 
the new Imilding connnittee, with the following as subscribers: Henry 
Mick, George Iioush, John Detwiler, .Joseph Romig, Jolm Romig, Fre- 
derick Haines, Solomon Romig, Adam Ivrick, .John McCxill, -John M'ag- 
ner, .lohn Conrad Weiser, John Cummings, Christoplier Maurer, William 
Idler, John Sn( ok, Jacob I^omiller, Adam Ivchr, Samuel Aurand, Valen- 
tine Grim, David Try, Daniel Hassinger, George Deobler, .John Gross, 
AV)raham Keller, Jacob Keller, Philip Swanger, John Renchelderfer, 
I^hilip Wagner, Herman Oberdorf, Jacob Fourtney, Adam Winter, 
Al)raham Kaley, Peter Dreese; the latter subscribed 80 f;'et boards or 
four shillings. Total amount subscribed $31.57. 

Pi'RcHAsiNG A Stove or Stoves for the Church. 
We find in this old church .record a. subscription list for raising funds 
to purchase a stove for the church at Beaver Dam, Northumberland 
eounty, l)Ut now Union county, bearing date of .Jan. 2, 1S12, and con- 
tains the following names: Mathias Oberdorf, Michael Mourer, George 
Try, Tliomas Youngman, Henry Diehl, Michael Ivline, Christian Kline, 
.)olm Ivline, John Ivomig, George l\iegel, .Jacob Koons, Maria p]lizal)eth 
l<\Jker, Adam Reger, Solomon Iveiser, George Miller, -John Dreese, .John 
CJross, Mathias Try, Adam Krick, Henry Mick, Henry Grim, .John Lehr, 
Daniel Gross, Adam Bear, Jr., George Weis, Sr., .John Wise, Jr., Benja- 
min Zeiber, Christian Reger, Valentine Grim, Frederick Haines, Henry 
Ivern, John Strouse, John Rearick, .Jacob Dreese, John Snook, Peter 
Dreese, Sr., .John Lechner, John Lepley, Peter Lehr, Daniel L(Jir, .John 
l^)yer, -Joseph Uehr, John Folk, .Jacob I^omiller, .John .Jacol) Breiner, 
Herman Oberdorf, John Conrad Weiser, Simon Snyder, Jr., Andrew 
Snyder, Abraham xMiller, Adam I^elir, Sr., Bernhardt 1^^1)erhardt, Jr., 
Jonatlian Eberhardt, (ieorge Roush, .John Deobler, Sr., .Jacob Ivei-n, 
.Joseph Romig, Af)raliam Keller, Christian Mouri'r, (Jeorge Shilling, 
.John Snook, F. C. Walter, and a few others. Total amount sul)scribed 
$42.42. 

PiTRCHASiN(; A Stove for School House. 

We still find another hst on record in this old church l)Ook for the 
purchasing of a stove for the school house near Beaver Dam church, 



CIUKCIIKS OF I5KA\'KI{ SPI{IX(;S 

(Litcd — , isi;;, nml contains llic tollowiny names: John Koniig, Joseph 
Ivoiuig, IJernhard Kl)erhardt, I'hilip Wagner, C'In-istopher Ilaines, .laeoh 
liOiniller, John Dreese, (Jeorge Deohler, John Folk, Philip Mitchell, 
John Connul \\'eisei-, ( Weiser suhscrihed sij;! towards the stuve and Toe 
towards purchasing pii)e,) Henry Kern, JohnOross, Maria Elizaheth 
iM'lkei-, (ieorge Roush, Joini Heger, Solomon Homig, \^dentine (Jrimand 
Tliomas ^'o^mgman,• amoimt suhscrihecl .fi'ioJX). 

SiuscmriioN TO EuKir a Fk.nck Akoind ('i:.Mi;ri;u'i'. 

^\'e copy another suhscription list tVom the old church record. This 
list was for the purpose of raising nK)n('y to purchase material to erect a 
fence around the cemetery which was to he made of posts, rails and clap- 
hoards, (claphoards as we understand are i)ailings sjJit out like the old 
fashioned lap shingles instead of being sawed out. ) This effort was made 
in 1S2;), and the list contains the following names: Henry (xrim, John 
I)eo])ler, Adam Reger, John Gn^ss, John I^ehr, John dross, Adam Krick, 
Herman Oherdorf, Adam r^ehr, Christian Kline, Michael Mourer, Philip 
W'agnei-, Daniel Hassinger, Christina Mourer, Michael Wagner, Thomas 
Voungman, Henry Diehl, Peter Dreese, Jacol) Dreese, John Lechner, 
John Detwiler, John Roniig, Henry Mick, John Boney, (Ieorge Try, 
John Shout, Isaac (ierhart. Reformed minister, Simon Aigler, Pet(M' 
Snook, Sr., John Romig, Solomon Romig, John Cununings, Esq., .lohn 
Conrad AVeiser, Xer Aliddleswarth, Peter Aigler, and Jonathan l^her- 
hardt, amount subscribed 821.2'). These subscription lists are given in 
this connection for the triple purpose of showing at about what time the 
first church was erected, the lirst schoolhous;' built and to show who 
wei'c the early settlers in this vicinity. 

The Churches. 

Before the churches were l)uilt the people from great distances would 
gather and hold Christian worship in Ijarns, and to show the faith of the 
old pioneers will mention for th(^ benefit of tlu' rising generations, that 
after the first church in this town was built people gathered in from such 
great distances that it is at this date hardly eredital)le. They came from 
Juniata county on foot across the Shade mountain to join in the worship 
of the Triune (!od, and the place which onct' marke(l a i)ath across the 
mountain is still known as the church path, (karich-a-pawt ) . The lirst 
church of our town was located in the southeast corner of the old 
cemetery, on ]\hirket street and Ridge Lane, (as heretofore mentioned) 
and was built of logs, in the style and architecture of that day, having 
galleries on three sides, with the puli)it swallow-nest style sticking up, 
rather elevated, against the fourth wall, and was a joint Lutheran and Re- 
formed churchancl stood until the year 1854 or '.')■"), when it wastaken down 
and material used in the construction of a more modern church. The 
old church contained a large pipe organ which was carefully removed and 
placed in the new church, the cornerstone of wliich was laid on the 2Sth 
day of May, bSo."), and was <ledicated Nov. 4, IS.IC). The second, or new 
church was of the same denominations as the first and was jointly used 
as such until the year 1S77, when on July 1st the members of tlie two 
divisions of the church agreed on a separation, the meml)ers of the Re- 
formed church agreeing to pay to their Lutheran brethren the su f 

$400 for the reliiupiishment of all their rights, titl(> and claims to the 



CHURCHES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

church. The Lutherans immediately set to work raising funds and ma- 
terial for the erection of a new church which was located on S. W. corner 
Market Square and when completed made an imposing appearance. 

The Fourth ok New Reformed Chitrch. 

The Reformed people continued to worship in the old church until 
the year 1884 Avhen the meml)ers decided to erect a new church. A 
laiilding committee, consisting of Rev. Landis, H. H. Laub and Samuel 
Shirey, was appointed and the work of getting funds and material was 
begun. It was tedious and very burdensome work, but the labor was 
continued until the church was completed. The old church was sold to 
Maj. Wm. H. Bycrs Post No. 384 who converted it into a Hall. The 
right of the Auditorium however was reserved for the use of the carpenters 
for the winter in order that such work as the seats, doors, window box- 
ing, etc., might be made during the winter. The pipe organ was removed 
and sold to Solomon Steininger, but unfortunately while in his possession 
was destroyed by fire. The congregation worshiped in the north room of 
the present school building until Christmas day, 1885, when services were 
first held in the Chapel of the church. The first confirmation and Com- 
munion was held on the 9th day of May, 188G, in the auditorium, though 
nt)t yet painted. The hoisting doors dividing the Chapel and the auditor- 
ium were up and both rooms were well filled. The churcli -was finished 
in the early summer and on .June 20, 1886, was dedicated to tlie worship 
of the Triune God amidst a vast concourse of people. Rev. S. K. Huber, 
of Skippackville, Montgomery Co., Pa., and Rev. D. S. Dieffenbacher, 
of Altoona, and Rev. Deitz were present. Rev. Huber preached the dedi- 
catory sermon assisted l)y Rev. Deitz. Anthems of praise were sung by 
Prof. Wm. Moyer and liis l)rother Philip and their daughters Ida, Mayme, 
Anna and Emma. 

This fine church cost about $7,000 and is located on the identical lot 
wliere once stood that stately old hostelry, the old Mick mansion, where 
for years spirits evil, that filled the head and stomach were passed (Uit, 
but the bad has been replaced by the good, a better, a purer, a Holier 
Spirit is now passed out and worketh nuich good to them that love the 
Lord. 

List of Reformed Ministers Who Served the Beaver 
Springs Charge, from First to Last. 

First was the Rev. Schlatter, who effected the first Reformed 

orgnnization, labored long and faithful in this then extensive field; dates 

of liis service can not be given. Next to follow was the Rev. 

Gustweit, who served possibly from about 1795 to 1810, or 1812. He 

was succeeded by Rev. Adam in whose honor, it is claimed, the 

name of the town was changed from Regerstown to that of Adamsburg. 
How long he continued his lal)ors here we are unable to determine, Init 
he must have labored for quite a number of years in this charge. His 
successor, the Rev. Isaac Gerhart, we find as one of the contributors to 
the fund for building the cemetery fence in 1823, and how long he fed 
the lambs in this flock we have no record. He was followed bj' Rev. 
John Felix, Rev. Daniel Weiser, Rev. Henry Bassler and Rev. John 
Hoffheinz. These labored for the Lord in this vineyard between the year 
1823, the pastorate of Rev. Gerhart, and the year 1837, for we learn 



CHURCHES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

from very ro]inl)le soiivccp tliat in IS:;" tlie Rev. FredcM-ick Herman Avns 
the regular pastor in tliis eliarj^e. The Rev. Adolf B. Casper sueeeedcd 
him and must have labored in this eharge in the latter '4()'s. He labor- 
ed with good results, and is still kindly remembered by many of our old- 
est people. He was in turn succeeded by Rev. ^\'illiam G. Hackman, 
about the year 1S49, who also is kindly remembered l)y those of hisfiock 
still remaining; his services in this field ended and Rev. M. G. Schultz 
followe(l him in ISoS, and continued until 1SG8, wlun he left here in 
the si)ring and acci'pted a call from the state of Indiana. He labored in 
his new field but a few months, when one day his horse ran away, injur- 
ing him so badly that he died a few days after. His remains were 
brought east, and lie buried in the Ridge cemetery. Then in order of 
succession came our much beloved and respected brother, the Rev. L. C. 
Edmonds, who all remember gratefully. He labored long and faithfully 
with abundant success, which is attested to by the fact of the large num- 
b(>r of jK'rsons confirmed by him during his labors while in this charge, 
the tt)tal being (^U. \\'hen the good brother assumed the duties of tliis 
charge it included jNIiddlcburg, Hassinger's, Beavertown, Adamsburg, 
Troxelvillc, Black Oak Ridge, and Sanuiel's, however during his pastor- 
ate the charge was divided and Middleburg and Hassinger's churches were 
cut off, thus lightening, somewhat the minister's l)urdens. His labors 
were continued for 18 years or until the year 1876. He was succeeded 
by the Rev. Abraham Romig, who is well remembered by all, as a good 
faithful servant of the Lord. His labors here ended in 1<S7<S or 1S79, 
when again pastor Edmonds took up the ministerial work, he about three 
years before laid doAvn and lie put forth the same earnestness and zeal 
in the work for the Lord, which he had previously- done, with the 
same unbounded success, but unfortunately in ISSo was again called to 
other fields of lal)or. . Ht)W his lal)()rs among this people was appreciated 
and lovingl}^ rememb(>red is attested to by the costly gift of a solid ster- 
ling silver, heavily gold plated Loving Cup presented to him and Mrs. 
Edmonds at their golden wedding, at Ford Citv, Pa., on Easter Monday 
April l(i, 1 !)()(;. 

Next, in turn of succession, came Rev. William iM.Landis,who be- 
gan his pastorate September '•)(), ]SS:\. His labors were tedious, labor- 
ious and burdensome, and under his pastorate all, or nearly all, the 
churches of this charge (o) were either remodeled or built anew. He 
was one of the building committee for the church here. Under his man- 
agement the Reformed parsonage here was also erected, and the lament- 
ed brother deserves much credit for his faithful service. He held his 
first connnunion November 2;'), iSSo, and his last communion befoi'c his 
departure for another field, on October 19, 1S9.S. Rev. H. LI. Spahn 
follow('(l in turn, and began his pastorate in January, LSJ)!), and tried 
hard to please all, was very jolly and social )le and his ministerial labors 
are of so recent date that they are still fresh in the memories of his peo- 
l)le. His (ii-st conmnmion was held on April 28, 1.S91), and his last on 
May 1, lt)()4. He left many friends at his departure, and on December 
1, 1904, was succeeded by the present pastor Rev. F. W. Brown, who 
held his first connmmion on .Tanuarj' S, 1905. His labors among this 
people for tlie last t \\d Years, have met the approbation of all. He is 
very studious, earnest, zealous and faithful in the field of christian work, 
and may his life, his health and strength be spared unto him that the 



CHURCHES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

blessed Gospel of our Tjord ancl Saviour may I)e continuefl to be promul- 
gated by him indefinitely. 

The Fifth Church. 
The G. A. R. Hall, formerly the old chiireh, was in aliont the year 
sold to the M.E.chnreh, who razed it to the gromid and eonstriieteda new 
chiirehontlie spot. The meml)ership being weak it w^as of but a few years' 
duration, when it was sold, and removed to Bedford county. 

The first communion in this town of whicli we have any record was held 
in the year 1800, (Names in German in old church record.) The first 
class confirmed and second communion of which we have record was held 
April 17, 1824. (Names in English in old church record.) 




REV. F. W. BROWN. 

Franklin Wilson, the second son of Henry and I on Dec. 31st, 1840. He was raised on the farm, 
Rachael Brown, was born near Lewisburg, Pa., I working on his father's farm in summer and at- 



C?IU1K'HES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



tended the township school in winter. After 
KoinK to Bucknell Academy one term he taught 
the township scliool where he was raised; two 
years after this he taught another term in the 
same township. From that time he attended 
Bucknell University until prepared to enter the 
Junior class in college in the regular classical 
course; he then went to Mercersburg College, 
located at Mercersburg. Pa., and graduated from 
college in .lune, 187(), receiving the degree of A. B. 
In the fall of 187(1 he entered the theological course 
in Mercersburg college and completed the course 
in theology in May , 1879; received the degree 
of A. M. from his Alma Mater. Thus he received 
instruction in the institution of which the sainted 
Rev. E. n. Higbee, D. D., was president, who 
afterwards was appointed State superintendent 
of public schools of Pennsylvania. After com- 
pleting his college and theological course, Mr. 
Eirown spent nearly two years on the farm again; 
then was sent by the Mission Board of the Re- 
formed church to Iowa and took charge of the 
Brandon Mission, and was ordained to the Gos- 
pel ministry in the Reformed church on the 15th 
day of May, 1881. He was engaged in mission 
work in the west, organizing congregations and 
building churches until June 1st, 1884, when he 



accepted a call to the Schellsburg charge in Bed- 
ford county, residing at Schellsburg, where he 
labored successfully till the autumn of 1888, when 
he accepted a call to the Pine Fiun charge, West- 
moreland county. Pa., residing at North Wash- 
ington, Pa. Here he labored three years, then 
accepted a call to the Nittany Valley charge in 
Centre county. Pa., residing at Walker, Pa. In 
this charge he labored two and one-half years; 
then came to the Aaronsburg charge, residing at 
Aaronsburg, Centre county. Pa., eight and one- 
half years. Now he accepted a call to Emanuel 
charge in Westmoreland Co., Pa., residing at 
Manor Dale, Pa., where he labored very success- 
fully for two years, when on account of failing 
health of himself and wife, he left and accepted a 
call to the Beaver Springs charge and began his 
labors here on the first day of December, 1904. 
During his life in the ministry. Rev. Brown has 
organized six congregations, built five churches, 
re-built four churches and repaired a number of 
churches and parsonages. On Jan. 1st, 1884, Rev. 
Brown was married to Miss Emma B. Brown, of 
Lewisburg, by Rev. R. L. Qerhart, D. D. She 
has been a devoted and faithful pastor's wife. 
There were never any children born to this 
family. 




CHRIST REFORMED CHURCH PARSONAGE. 



The Great June Flood, 1889. 

Durinsj; the night of May 3I-— June 
1, 1889, occurred the heaviest fall of 
rain, caused by cloud-bursts, that 
has ever been known by the people 
here. A good part of the town was 
submerged from a few inches to three 
feet in depth and much damage was 
done. Gardens were destroyed, cel- 
lars flooded, farm animals and poul- 



try drowned, nearly all bridgesswept 
away, railroads destroyed and mail 
service suspended for "several days. 
Railroad traffic could not be resumed 
for several weeks. In manv sections 
dwelling houses and barns were car- 
ried away by the raging waters. 
This was the memorable occasion of 
the Johnstown flood calamity, where 
many hundreds of people lost their 
lives. 



1§t0tnrtJ of tl|r ICittl^pran (!ll|urrl|. 



By REV. W. M. SPANGLER and W. J. KL05E, Esq. 

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Beaver Springs was 
organized as St. John's Lutheran church of Beaver Dam, Beaver town- 
ship, then Noi-thumljcrland county, later Union county, and now Snyder 
county, in 179() (exact date not available), by Rev. John Mathias 0(nit- 




ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

zel, pastor, of whom wc find the following record in an old church record 
unearthed l)y Kev. F. W. Brown, Reformed minister, and W. J. Klose 
wliile searching the library in the parsonage for just such information. 

ClIT'RCH RECOKn 

of the Evangelical Luthemn congregation at Beaver Dam, in Beaver town- 
ship, Northumberland county, bought in the year of our Lord and Savior 
Jesus Christ 171)(), l>3' the serving officers, Jacol) Hoffman and Herman 
Obcr<lovf. 

Write my name at best into the book of life, 

And bind my soul quite fast into a covenant beautiful 

That shall in heaven l)c ever green, and with Thee life is free. 

So will I ever praise because the heart at rest sliall be. 

—John Mathias Gentzel, at the time Lutheran preacher in Beaver Twp.. A. D. 1796. 



CHURCHES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

Roy. Gcntzcl oamo to a sad and sudden death by drowning in the 
Middle ereek at Royev's l)ridge and lies l)iu'ied in the grave yard at the 
Hassingcr's ehureh. 

For several years the congregation worshipped in Ijarns. The first 
ehureh l)uilding, a union church, Lutheran and Reformed, wasdedicated 
between ISOO and 1<S()<), exact date not ohtainahle. Who servetl the con- 
gregation during this period and subsequently for a number of years the 
records do not show, until Rev. J. Conrad Walter took charge in 1<S()7 
and served twelve years, until his death, Aug. 11, LSli). Rev.J.P.Shindel, 
Sr., of Sunbury, served as a supply for nc arly a year, Avhen Rev Jacob W . 
Smith was called and served ten years, till I80I. We find in the old 
cliurcli record previously mentioned that the Rev. Jacob W. Smith con- 
firmed a class of catechumens and held communion services on the 17th 
day of April, 1S24. The names "of the catechetical class are: Samuel 
Waggorun-, Henry INIiller, Jacob Haines, David Try, Tliomas Youngman, 
John Romig, \\'illiam Vanover, Samuel Dreese, INIichael Kern, Joseph 
Diemer, iVdam Youngman, Jacob Hook, Elizalx'th Renner, Susana Min- 
ich, ])arbara Waggoner, Susana Tx^pley, ^lagdalena Romig, Cath. Zerbe, 
Amanda Cath. Roush, INIaria Keller, iSIaria Woomer, Maria Kern, Cath. 
Shirer, Elizabeth Kern, Eveline Fortnej^ Susana Sworm, Magdalene 
Hook, Elizabeth Hook, Mary Dreese. The following communed at this 
time: (ico. Rcmgler, Mar}^ Oberdorf, Nancy Detweiler, Adam Rager, 
Sr., and wife, Elizabeth Mohart, Margaret Lechner, Mary ]\Ioyer, Han- 
nali Leln-, Hannah Miller, CJath. Woomer, Elizabeth Hununel, Elizabeth 
Detweiler, Elizabeth ^^'ildo, Cath. Wise, Cath. CJross, Jacol) Dreese and 
wife, p]lizabetii Hook, Cath. Dreese, Elizalieth Royer, Mary Dreese, Peter 
Kern and wife, John Reger and wife, Mary Lomiller, (}eo. Olx'rdorf and 
wife, (Jeo. Roush and wife, Barbara Keller, Philip Markley and wife, 
Jacob Long and wife, Henry Felker and wife, Geo. Miller and wife, John 
Haine, Christian Lepley and wife, Philip W^agner, Geo. Troy and wife, 
Joseph Romig and wife, Magdalene Romig, Valentine Grinmi and wife, 
Elizabeth Straus, Cath. Wagner, Philip Confer and wife, Christian Aig- 
ler, Al)raham Keely and wife, Frederick Haines, Solomon Troy, Jesse 
Romig and wife, Susana Romig, Joseph Samsel and wife, Henry Roush, 
vVdam Le])ley and wife, John Romig and wife, Wm. Try, Rachael Try, 
Hannah Try. Jiney Try, Mena Try, Judy Try, Elizabeth Howell, Mich- 
ael Valentine and wife, Sarah Valentine, Jacob Herbster, Jr., and wife, 
Peter Wagner and wife, Conrad Rarich and wife, Daniel Gross and wife, 
Christian Rarich, Solomon Romig and wife, Jacob Zerl)e, Nancy Try, 
Adam Rager, Jr., Magdalene Lepley, Rev. Jacob W. Smith, (29 con- 
firmed and 98 connnuned,) whose life came to a tragic end l)y his own 
hand. Rev. Wm. Garman served as i)astor of the Middleburg charge to 
which the congregation belonged from ISol to 1<S88, when this congrega- 
tion severed its connection from said charge and identified itself with an- 
other charge (name not given), congregations located at New Berlin, 
Centreville and jwssibly Troxelville, and Samuel's church in IMifihi coun- 
ty. Rev. J. P. Shindel, Jr., took charge in 18)58. During tliis i)asb)r- 
ate the second church was built, also a union church. The corner stone 
was laid May 28th, 1855. It was dedicated Nov. 4th, 185(). 

The following pastors are known to have served the pastorate in the 
order given, although the dates of their elections and resignations are n(^t 
obtainable with accuracy: Rev. .1. G. Groemiiiller, Rev. Jacob Kempfer 



CHURCHES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



took cliargc in 1800; Rev. J. G. Breininger, 1<S()3; Rev. Rielianr 
served from lS(io to ISHi); Rev. Jacob Kempfer was pastor a secoi 



T.nznms 

-^---- pastor a second time 

from 18()9 to 1S71. Rev. W. R. Wieand took charge of the then known 
Adamsl)urg charge, of which St. John's union church was part, in 1S72, 
and remained in charge until March 28th, 1880. On July 1st, 1877, the 
two congregations agreed to separate and the Lutherans, with their pas- 
tor, nt once took steps to organize themselves into a separate congregation 
and erect a house of worship, they having sold tlieir interest in the union 
churcli to the Reformed congregation for $100. 

On Aug. 9th, 1877, such action was taken, as was necessary to pro- 
ceed with the procuring of lots and the erection of the building, said 




1 



ffl,^' 









5 -TT Wmi-'^ 






church to be called St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran church of Adamsl)urg. The 
Sunday school room was dedicated July 7th, 1878. The audience room 
was dedicated Nov. 10th, 1879. The cost of the church and lots was 
$6000. Ministers present at the dedication Avere: Revs. H. C. Shindel, 
S. G. Shannon, who preached the dedicatory sermon, P. Sheeder, I. Ir- 
vine, J. E. Honeycutt, A. Romig (Reformed), and W. R. Weiand, 
pastor. 

On July 1st, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. W. G. Gettle, a theo- 
logical student to supply the charge for three months. This call was 
accepted. Nov. 15, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. ]\L L. Deitzler to 
l)ecome pastor, which was accepted. Rev. Deitzler resigned March oOth, 
1885. He was succeeded by Rev. H. A. Letterman on May 16th, 1885, 
Avho resigned in the summer of 1886 — date of day and month not given. 

At a meeting of the Juniata Conference of the Synod of Central 
Pennsylvania a successful effort was made on Nov. 21st, 1886, to sever 
this congregation from the Adamsburg charge and form the now called 
Beaver charge by forming a union with the Lutheran church of Beav(T- 
town, connected until now with the Middleburg charge. The first joint 
council meeting of the newly formed charge was held on Nov. 28, 1886, 
one week after the action of conference, when said action was ratified and 



CIiriU'IiKy OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

a constitution governing tlic cliargc was formulated and adopted. Rev. 
J. C. Muiinna was elected pastor, accepted and entered upon his work on 
May 1 Itli, 1S87. He was the first pastor under the new relationship and 
served the charge until July 1st, is;)(). Rev.(;.(\II.Haaskarl was elected 
and hegan his work on Oct. oth, ISDO, and served to March 1st, l.S<)2. 
Rev. M'. n. Fahs hecaine his successor, serving the charge from May I], 
1S!)2, to Sept. n)th, l.S!)4. During tliis pastorate the present comfort- 
able parsonage was huilt at a cost of SISOO. Rev. 1>. F. Kautz became 
pastor on .hun' Ibth, IS!)."), and remained in charge until tJie spring of 
1S«)S. Hev. I. I*. Zinnnerman took charge Aug. 1st, IHltS, and served 
tlie charge until Oct. Kith, 1<»()1. Rev. W. M. Spangler, the present 
pastor, began his work on May 1st, lUOo. 




REV. WILLIAM M. SPANGLER. 



The subject of this sketch was born on a farm 
near ("riedens, Somerset county. Pa., on the 
2d of February, 1849. He is the son of Michael 
and Hannah Spangler. His great-grandfather 
on his father's side came from Wittenberg, 
Germany, and his grandfather on his mother's 
side was of Scotch-Irish extraction. He was 
reared to farm-life in which occupation his early 
years were spent. At the age of six years began 



his initiation into school-life. It was a country 
school he attended about a mile from his father's 
farm. The school house was built of hewed logs 
and was one among the first in the county, and 
was therefore quite old. The furniture was among 
the simplest. A ten-plate cast-iron stove stood 
in the middle of the room. Large chunks of 
wood were used in it to keep the room warm. 
The benches were made of slabs. The desks 



CHITRCHE8 OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

were made of boards that were hand-planed and Garrett Co., Md.; Glasgow, Cambria Co., Pa.; Sa- 

nailed on wooden pins driven into the logs along lona, Clinton Co., Pa.; Williamsburg, Blair Co., 

the sides and ends of the building. This old log Pa., from which place he was called to Beaver 

school-house, however, gave way to a better and Springs' pastorate, Snyder Co., Pa. He was 

more modern building in the course of a few married to Sarah Boucher, daughter of John and 

years. At the age of 17 he attended a term of Joanna Boucher, of New Lexington, Somerset 

Normal school of 10 weeks at Stoyestown, Pa. Co., on the 18th of September, 1874. To this 

During the following winter he attended the pub- union were born seven children. The oldest, a 

lie school. Attending another term of Normal daughter, Nona B., after a course in the Central 

school of ten weeks at the place already men- State Normal at Lock Haven, entered the Medico 

tioned, he taught his first term of public school Chirurgical hospital at Philadelphia as a nurse, 

at the age of 18, He taught public school four from which institution, after a three years' 

winters, using the summer vacations in prepa- course, she graduated as a trained nurse in 1899. 

ration for better work by attending two terms She was then offered the superintendency of the 

of Normal school of 10 weeks each at Stoyes- Nurses' Training School at New Brighton, Bea- 

town. Pa.; and two terms of select school of ten ver county. Pa., which she accepted and held till 

weeks each in the academy at Somerset, Pa. the fall of 1903, when she resigned to assume the 

In the spring of 1870 he matriculated as a student responsibilities of married life. She now resides 

of Missionary Institute at Selinsgrove. now known at Chicago, 111. The second child, William New- 

as Susquehanna University. He completed his ton by name, is also a graduate of the Central 

classical course at this institution at the com- State Normal School at Lock Hi-ven. After 

mencement of 1874. He then entered the theo- teaching for several years he entered the signal 

logical seminary at Gettysburg where he re- department of the P. R. R. He is now supervisor 

ceived his theological training. He was licensed of signals of the West Jersey and Seashore div- 

to preach the gospel by Allegheny Synod (Luth- ision of the P. R. R., and resides at Camden, 

eran) at its meeting in Alloona in September, N.J. Edson Garfield, a third child, is an em- 

1876. He was ordained to the gospel ministry of ployee of the Williamsburg paper mill and lives 

the Evangelical Lutheran church by the same at Williamsburg. Dorsey Elmer, the fourth 

Synod at its meeting in Trinity Lutheran church child, and Homer Vernon, the fifth, are both in 

of Somerset, Pa., in September, 1877. He served the signal department of the P. R. R. and are 

, »• 1 ^ I c- ^ ,- stationed at Altoona, Pa. Susan M. and Wellmg- 

charges respectively at Jenners, Somerset Co., ,0^,^ t^e two youngest, are still at home with their 

Pa.; Friends Cove, Bedford Co., Pa.; Accident, parents. 



l!|tatnry nf tl|p B>untJatr ^rltnnls. 



By W. J. KL05E, Esq. 

The first Salibath school of the town was organized about the year 
1SI5 and, according to the recollection of Uncle L. R. Haines, had no 
regularly elected superintendent, but was lead in turns (alternately) by 
Josepli Long, Reul)en Keller, Henry Smith and others. At that time 
the International lessons were not in vogue, the Bil)le spellers and prim- 
ers were used. Those who were al)le to read well used the Bible, the 
younger people the speller and the smaller ones the primer. As an in- 
ducement and encouragement for the children to attend, tickets (red and 
blue) containing a verse or i:)assage of Scripture, were given each one after 
recitation. One blue ticket was given for every Sunday's attendance and 
also for committing a verse of Scripture, and for three blue tickets they 
were entitled in exchange to one red one. The red tickets were counted 
at one cent in value and could be exchanged for Sunday school cards, 
library books or Bibles, in number corresponding to the value of the 
books. 

As far as can be remembennl Ephraim Hackman and Josei)h Long 
were about the first regularly elected superintendents, about the years 
iSol or 1852. This was a union school for the Lutheran an<l Reformed 
denominatif)ns and met in the old school house and afterwards held their 
sessions in the church. From that time forward manv held the ottice of 



CE^IETERIES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

suporintciidcnt until tlic division of the cluirch, tlion cncli donomination 
organiztMl a Sal>l)atli scliool. The Sabbath schools of town were prosper- 
ous from aAvay back, from the organization of tiie first scliool to the pres- 
ent day, doing much good \vork for the Lord and arc today in a nourish- 
ing condition. 

Present Officers, ; 

REFORMKn — James C. Sehambach, superintendent; J. B. Spangler, 
assistant; D, F. Spaid, secretary; Hattie Wetzel, assistant; Jennie Bil- 
ger, treasurer; Lizzie Sehambach, librarian; Annie Wetzel, assistant; 
^largaret Sehambach, organist. 

LuTiiKHAN — C'lymer Romig, superintendent; Hurley Romig, assist- 
ant; John Bowersox, secretary; Raymond Wagner, assistant; Reuben 
Drecse, treasurer; Frank Benfer, librarian; Annie Felker, assistant; Mrs. 
J. A. ^^'agn(■^, organist. 

®1|P (Epmctnifii nf tlyt (Imiitt. 



By W. J. KLOSE. Esq. 

The first cemetery in this section was located one-half mile north- 
east of town on what is now part of one of Reuben Dreese's farms and is 
a beautiful spot, l)eing an elevated i)ii'c(> of ground and very suitable for 
a cemetery and should have remained tlunv. The cemetery was in exist- 







. J 

^-^ 




. Jt^ ^T™^^^^^^^Hs 


p 









THE OLD CHMt-Tl£RV. 

ence before tlic town was laid out. It has long since gone into disuse as 
a cemetery, has been shamefully desecrated, the head stones have all 
been destroyed, jilowed under or used for making ditches. (This was 
told by one who helped to do it.) The ground is now farmed with other 
lands adjoining and nothing is left to tell or show tliat it has ever bceii 
a eemeterj'. 



CEMETERIES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

Thesecoonrl or new. now called the old cemetery was laid out 
about the year 1810 or ISll. This is established from the fact that the 
first grave (as near as can be learned) in the cemetery is that of John 




THK NEW CEMETERY. 

Jacob Aigler, who was born May 30, 1752, died Aug. 11, 1(S11. Christina 
Aigler, wife of Jolm Jarol) Aigler, was born Nov. 21, 1758, died March 
27,1817. These old pioneers lie side l)y side by the cemetery wall on Market 
street. Many claim these were the first two graves in the cemetery but 
this is not correct, which is clearly sho\ni l)y the fact tliat there was a 
period of six years l)etAveen their deaths and a number of graves mark 
the same row until you meet or come to a headstone upon which appears 
the following epitaph : (This is given ver batim et literatim) "Here 
lies the body of Maria Snook, which was John Snook's wife. .January, 
the 2()th day, 1778, she was born. She brot to this world 6 sons and 4 




GRAVES OF ADAM RAGER AND WIFE, IN THE OLD CEMETERY. 

■daters. Died Aug. — , 1814." The headstone was broken so could not 
get date of death.. The death and burial took place alicut three years be- 
fore that of Mr.s. Aigler, Jind with the nunjlx']- of graves between them. 



INDl STRIES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

disproves tlio thcoiy that Mrs Aiglcr was l)uric(l in the cpinetery second 
or next to that of her husband. This (•ciiictcry is located on lots No. 25, 
2() and 27 on the plot of the town on Kast Ahirket street and ground 
space all taken uj) ahont eight years ago, when ground for a new cemet- 
ery was hought from Reuhcn Dreese and is located ahout one-fourth mile 
South of the old eeiiietery. 

cThp iliraucr ^jirutiui Slrrtrir IGtgltt (Enm^ami. 

This company was organized October 20, U)()l, and a charter issued 
by the State department, at ITarrisburg, Penna., Octolier 27, 11)04. The 
ollicers of the company are A. M. Aurand, Pres., J. M. Baker, See'y., 
and Anis Gjoss, Treas., the same being also the stoekliolders and own 
all the stock. During the summer of 1905 the company erected a fine 
slate roof, metal cornice, two story, granolithic building, centrally locat- 
ed, 3() feet by 52 feet. Half of the first fioor is used by the company 
for a store room, dynamo and i)ower room, and the balance of the build- 
ing is at present used l)y the Kidon Handle Comjmny. 

The power for the lights is furnished by a 24 inch special Pelton 
Water Motor, run by water from the mains of the Beaver Springs ^^'ater 
Company. The electric system is direct current 110 volts. Tlie prin- 
cipal streets, business houses and many private residences are lighted up 
by current from this plant. The operating expense of this plant is very 
light, very little attention is necessary, aside from starting and stopping 
same, it l)eing automatically controlled by a mechanical governor, giving 
constant, uniform and regular speed, under varying loads. Lights wen; 
first turned on Noveml)er (5, 1905, and have been constantly running 
without a liitch, save an exception of several nights. 

ihl)t Uraurr ^^rinijis HalPr (Umnpauy. 

This company Avas organized August Ki, 11)04, by Anis (^ross, Pres., 
J. M. liaker, See'y., and A. M. Aurand, Treas. A Pennsylvania charter 
was issued September 9, 1904; innnediately upon the issuing of the char- 
ter, work on the plant was begim, rights of way, and water rights were 
obtained and on October 5th the first ground was broken for the laying 
of the pipes, and on December 22, 1904, the system was completed ac- 
cording to plans and specifications as drawn and designed by J. M. Bak- 
er, the company's engineer. One and one-fourth miles of 10 inch mains, 
one mile of S inch, one-half mile of (1 inch, and one mile of 4 inch pipes 
with the necessary intake i)ipes of Ki and 12 inches, and gates and fire 
hydrants, constitutes the pipeline. 

The reservoir of this company is located on the Planing Mill, for- 
merly (iross' Run, at the approach of the mountain slope in Beaver town- 
ship. The average flow of water discharged by this stream, is 200 cubic 
feet per minute. The breast of the intake dam is 8 feet high and 14 feet 
wide, with a })ack water, with intake to the reservoir, with a capacity of 
40,000 gallons. The static jm'ssure of the Avater on the mains at the 
power house of the Beaver Springs Electric Light Company, is 71 pounds. 
While the reservt)ir is comparatively small it is amply large to insure at 
all times suHicient water, since the stream at lowest water furnishes all 
the water that the mains can carry oft". Therefore no unnecessary' stor- 
ing of water to become stale and impure. 



HuBxn^BB 3lttatttuti0U0 nf lO^ait^r Springs 

Views and Sketches of Business Houses and Those Who Control Them, 




THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK. 



The First National Bank of Beaver Springs be- 
gan business May 6, 1901, being established by nine 
of the mo3t prominent business men. They were 
Jas. M. Mattern.A. A. Ulsh. Dr. A.M. Smith, J.H. 
Dreese, Tilman Weader, P. S. Bobb, Wm. H. 
Dreese, C. O. Qreenhoe and K. C. Walter. The 
capital of the bank is $25,000, its surplus and un- 
divided profits, all earned, aggregate $24,250 and 
its deposits $155, Q68. The earning strength of 
this bank, its surplus and undivided profits, 
$24,250, has not been equaled by any other bank 
of its size in the state of Pennsylvania during the 
same time it has now been in business. The 
First National Bank of Beaver Springs is a re- 
markably well managed institution. On much 
of the literature issued by the bank is to be found 
the legend, "The bank that takes care of its cus- 
tomers." In this brief sentence lies the keynote 
of the success that has come to this bank. This 
policy was established and this motto adopted by 
the board of directors, to whose excellent judg- 
ment, executive ability and pleasant manner in 
dealing with all their customers, must be given 
credit for much of the success of the institution. 
President A. A. Ulsh is one of our most active 
and valued business men. P. S. Bobb is the vice- 
president, a retired farmer of Beavertown, always 
bringing in new business. C. O. Qreenhoe, sec- 



retary of the board, in his pleasant manner is 
always ready to do all he can. K. C. Walter, 
cashier, and J. F. Snook, assistant cashier, are 
both gentlemen of pleasing presence and acknowl- 
edged ability and too much praise cannot be 
awarded them because of the good work they 
have done for this bank. The directors are: J. 
H. Dreese, lumber and stave operator; Wm. H. 
Dreese, retired capitalist; Tilman Weader.lumber 
dealer; A. A. Ulsh, president, capitalist; P. S. 
Bobb, vice president, retired farmer and capi- 
talist; C. O. Qreenhoe, secretary, extensive deal- 
er in nail keg staves; K. C. Walter, cashier. 



WfUttra aitii Sirrrtora. 



K. C. WALTER. 

K. C. Walter, cashier of the First National 
Bank of Beaver Springs, son of Joseph Walter, 
of Snyder county, was one of the organizers and 
is a director of said bank. He has been with the 
bank since it opened its doors for business, be- 
ginning as cashier. He was reared on a farm 
near Middleburg, Snyder Co., born Jan. 20, 1860, 
married to Lizzie M. Bobb, Dec. 31, 1889. By the 
very careful management of his parents he at- 
tended school regularly and at the age of fifteen 



BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS OF BEAVER SPRINOS 



became a student of the Normal school, Selins- 
grove, while under the excellent and executive 
ability of Prof. NoetlinK he was chosen as teacher 
for the public schools of Snyder county at the 
age of sixteen, at which work he remained for 
nine years. Mr. Walter next located in Altoona, 
where he was bookkeeper under James 0. 
Mann in the machine shops; next embarking at 
Brodhead, Wis., where he was in the mercantile 
business with his uncle, E. P. Hassinger, for five 
years, then locating near the old homestead, 
Middleburg, becoming an active partner of John 
Runkle in the general merchandise business un- 
der the firm name of Runkle & Walter, working 
together successfully for eleven years. K. C. 
Walter having for some time past given some of 
his attention to banking, now entered the First 
National Bank of Selinsgrove as bookkeeper 




K. C. WALTER, Cashier, 
where he remained until the organization of the 
bank at Beaver Springs going from that bank 
directly to the First National Bank of Beaver 
Springs where he has remained ever since as 
cashier. Mr. Walter's great-great-grandfather 
was the original Jacob Walter of Germany who 
set sail for this country Sept. 1.5, 1749, on the ship 
"Phoenix," John Mason, master. He was rear- 
ed among the vine clad mountains of the king- 
dom of Wurtemburg. Germany, surrounded by 
the picturesciue scenery of the beautiful Rhine, 
•lacob Walter was born Jan. 15, 1729. Learning 
that in America were millions of acres to be cul- 
ti\ated and a free passage to all families who 
would go there was offered, Jacob soon secured 
his passports and with his brother and a few 
possessions left the scenes of childhood and set 



sail on ocean's waves and after a two months' 
voyage landed at Philadelphia homeless, friend- 
less, penniless and as grief stricken mourners 
far out in a foreign land. Leaving the noisy cit>- 
behind them they pushed forward to the fertile 
acres of Lancaster county. Settling here for a 
time they soon heard that richer fortunes laid to 
the northward and accordingly left Lancaster and 
plunged deep and deeper still into the gloomy 
wilderness until the peaceful shades of a tall white 
oak tree standing on the property formerly own- 
ed by Isaac Swarm, a short distance east of Kiss- 
imee, Snyder Co., was reached. On the 24th 
dayof.Iuly. 1757, the happiest day of his life, Jac- 
ob Walter and Maria Kauffman were made one 
in wedded bliss. Ten jons and two daughters 
blessed this union. On one of his visits to 
Reading he resolved to commemorate his re- 
turn by the presentation of a large Bible purchas- 
ed at $10 apiece to each of his ten sons ^o that 
through the absence of schools they might be 
taught the habit of well directed reading. The 
character of Jacob Walter was that of an honest 
Christian gentleman. He died on the 23rd day of 
January, 1803, was laid 1o rest in Hassinger's 
cemetery and at the head of that (omb was rai;( d 
the first marble tablet in the cemetery, and Et Ih e 
foot was planted an apple tree; its spreading 
branches are still in existence. Joseph H. Wal- 
ter, son of Jacob, the original, married a Miss 
Kern; resided on a farm now owned by John H. 
Walter, Sn>der county. Pa. Dietrich Walter, 
son of Joseph H., had the following children: 
Aaron, in Ohio, deceased: Joseph, in Sn>der Co., 
deceased; John W.; Elizabeth, deceased; Fdward, 
deceased, and Amanda, married to John Stahl- 
necker, Middleburg, Pa. Joseph Walter, son of 
Dietrich, had the following children: K. C, 
Beaver Springs: Frank F.. Middleburg: Reno H.,' 
Cleveland, ().; Laura R., deceased: Alice, married 
to I. L. Walter, Middleburg, and Maggie E., mar- 
ried to Rev. Rearick, Centre Hall, Pa. K. C. 
Walter, son of Jo.eph, is married to Lizzie M. 
Bobb, and this union is blessed with one son, 
Ray B. Walter. 



J. F. SNOOK. 

J. F. Snook was born Jan. 7, 1874, in Spring 
township, then a portion of West Beaver. He 
was reared on the farm and b\' the wise manage- 
ment of his parents, Emanuel G. and Sophia 
Snook, he attended school regularly and later at- 
tended Normal school at Selinsgrove and Free- 
burg and prepared for the profession of teaching. 
He taught school eight terms; the last two 
terms, 1901 to 1903, he taught the Grammar grade 
in the town of McClure, Pa. On the .'8th day of 
September, 1899, he was married to Emma J. 
Kline, daughter of Joseph and Catherine Kline, 
of McClure. They have one daughter, Mertie 
May, born Jan. 4, 1901. In April, 1901, he moved 
to McClure, where he resided until September. 
1903, when he moved to Beaver Springs, Pa., 
and accepted a position with the First National 



BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS. 



Bank. Since that time he has been employed by 
this institution and now holds the office of as- 
sistant cashier. His ancestors on his father's side 
were of German descent, which we trace from 
his great-grandfather, John Snook, who emi- 




J. F. SNOoK, Assistant Cashier, 
grated from Lehigh county and became one of 
the first settlers of Ragertown, as this place was 
originally named. This John Snook was born 
Jan. 2. 1770; died Oct. 26, 1864, at the age of nearly 
95 years: he lies buried in the old cemetery in 
this town. A sketch and portrait of his grand- 
father appears elsewhere in this book. We will 
trace the ancestry on his m.other's side back to 
his great-great-great-grandfather, Joseph Has- 
singer, who was of German descent and emi- 
grated from one of the eastern counties and took 
up a thousand acres of land two miles northeast 
of Beavertown some years before the Revolu- 
tion. His great-great-grandfather, son of Jos- 
eph, named Daniel, erected the first grist mill at 
the above named place, commonly known as 
Hassinger's mill, and pursued tnis occupation 
until his death in about 1825. His great-grand- 
father, a son of the second named, was named 
Daniel, likewise, and was born in 1791; he also 
followed the milling occupation at the same 
place until his death at the age of 88 years. His 
grandfather, Joseph, a son of the last named, 
was born March 2, 1815. Joseph's father erected 
another mill, this one on Swift Run, two miles 
south of Troxelville, and 24 miles north of Bea- 
ver Springs. Joseph married Sophia Klose. Jan- 
uary 11, 1835, and was given charge of the last 
named mill, which he operated successfully for 



22, 1897. His mother, Sophia, daughter of Jos- 
eph Hassinger, was born Dec. 19, 1851, and is 
married to Emanuel G. Snook, and has six chil- 
dren, of which the one who heads this sketch is 
the oldest. Politically this long chain of ancestry 
has without exception on both sides adhered to 
the principles of the Republican party since its 
present organization. 



ALVIN A. ULSH. 

Alvin A. Ulsh was born Nov. 4, 1853, his parents 
being Andrew and Catherine Ulsh. He has al- 
ways lived at and near Middlecreek, Snyder Co., 
Pa., having been in the mercantile business at 
that place for the last fifteen years, from which 
he retired on Feb. 1, 1906, his son, Charles A. P. 
Ulsh, succeeding him. Mr. Ulsh has been post- 
master at Middlecn ek for the same length of 
time, which position he still occupies. He was 
married to Amanda E. Rigel, a daughter of Peter 
and Matilda Rigel, said union being blessed with 
four children, as follows: Hattie Icie Dora, Sallie 
Gertie Matilda. Charles Andrew Peter, and 
John Alvin. Soon after he became of age 
he was elected assessor of West Beaver 
township; served one term as jury com- 
missioner of Snyder county, and also was elected 
as a representative delegate of Snyder county to 
the Republican State convention which met at 
Harrisburg in the year when James G. Blaine 




A. A. ULSH, President. 

was a candidate for the nomination for president 
of the United States, and by his vote endorsed 
his nomination as Snyder county's choice. 
When Spring township was formed he was ap- 
pointed by the governor of the state as one of the 



over half a century. He died at this place June Justices of the Peace which office he held for six- 



BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



teen years. He is at present the president of the 
Pirst National Bank of Beaver Springs, Pa. He 
has been a member of the Iivangelical Lutheran 
church since his youth and tal<es an active part 
in all church work as well as Christian Endeavor 
and Sunday school work and has taught a class 
in the Simday school since a young man. Mr. 
Ulsh followed the fire insurance business for ten 
years with success, taking the general agency of 
the Beavertown Mutual l^ire Insurance Company 
when it was in its infancy and by hard and ener- 
getic work he fought the then low rates of the 
stock companies 'as they at that time charged 
only about one-half the rate on farm property 
as they do now) and pushed the Beavertown 
Company up to over $1,700,000 insurance, having 
added o\er $,S00,000 new insurance the first year. 
This is a record that any man can well feel 
proud of. 



WILLIAM H. DREESE. 

A^r. Dreese was born Jan. 7th, I,S3.5, and is a 5on 
of Jacob Dreese who died at the age of 88 years. He 
was born at Beaver Springsand lived here all his 




W. H.DRHESE. Director. 

life except one year when he lived at Three Rivers, 
Mich., and one year at Kisha.o^uillas, Mifflin Co.. 
his o;cupaton bting blacksmithing for a period of 
fifty-one years. He was married to Elizabeth 
Hetrich, who died Nov. 29, 1905. Four sons, 
namely, Irvin, F-rank, Edward and Foster, 
the latter dying at the age of two years. Mr. 
Dreese never applied for office, but was elected 
school director for three years and director of the 
First National Bank since its organization. He 



donated one acre of land for the wagon factory, 
one of the leading industries in this city. He has 
been a member of the Lutheran church since he 
was fifteen years old and a charter member of 
of the Beavertown Mutual Fire Insurance Co., 
having been a director in said company for the 
past 24 years. 



C. O. GREENHOE. 

Mr. Greenhoe was born near Beaver Springs, 
at what is now known as Benfer's Mill, January 




C. O. GREENHOE, Secretary and Director. 
22, 1850. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth 
Greenhoe. The subject of this sketch resided at 
this place until January 24, 1877. when he moved 
on the farm one mile north of Middlecreek, at 
which place he lived until March 11, 1883: he then 
moved to Troxelville and bought the store of 
Goss & Manbeck. He was in the mercantile 
business at Troxelville for eight years, and then 
moved to Beaver Springs, March 11, 1891, where 
he now lives. Mr. Greenhoe was a mem- 
ber of the council of the Evan. Lutheran 
church of Troxelville for a number of years, and 
also in the Beaver Springs congregation of the 
same denomination; served several terms 
as school director in Spring township; was the 
first_president of the First National Bank of Bea- 
ver Springs and held the office until the bank 
was fully established on a sound basis, and is a 
director and secretary of same now. He is an 
extensive manufacturer of nail keg staves. On 
September 21, 1871, he was married to Caroline, 
daughter of Christian and Mary Gross, of Beaver 
township. No children have blessed this union. 



BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS OF BEA^^ER SPRINGS 




JOHN H. DREESE, Diractor, 



■P- S.. BOBB. Director and Vke President 




8 months 



TILMAN WEADER, Director. 



Deaths. 

May 1, 1901, Harry J. I>peese, aged 
23 years, 11 months and 1 day. 

Sept. 26, 1900, Willis Stumpff, aged 
16 years, 5 m<onths and 26 days, 

Dec 8. J 900, Sarah., wifejof Wiiliaju 



H- Specht, -aged 4b years, 
.and 3 days. 

Jan. 28, \90h Elizabeth, wife of 
Franklin Koch., a^ed 69 year.s, ] 
month and 3 days. 

Mar. 6, J 901, Foster, son of Robert 
S. Smith and wif^, aged J 8 yjears, 6 
months and 5 days. 

Mar. 30, J 902, Catherine, widow of 
Simon Lepley, aged S7 years, 7 
months and 22 days. 

Oct. 29, 1902, Louisa, wife of L. R. 
Haines, aged 68 years.. 7 months and 
1 day. 

Sept. 9, 1898, Anna, wife of James 
D. Dreese, aged 36 years., JO months 
and 17 days. 

Sept 14, imS, Warren E. Long, 
aged 22 yearSj, 7 months and 26 -days. 

Oct- 7, 1898, Caroline, widow oi 
Joel Cjearhart, aged 6 J years, b 
months and H days. 

May 2L J899, Roland, s©n of John 
A. and Effie M. Xearns, 3.ge.(i 6 
months and 13 days. 

Nov. 16, 1899, Sarah, wife of Anis 
Gross, aged 55 years, 9 months £Lnd 
4 dayii. 



BrSINESS INSTITUTIONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




MME5 B. 5PANGLER.. 

Mr. SpanRler is a son of Jonathan and Mary A. 
Spangler, and was born in Beaver Springs, Pa., 
Jan,iiary 15,, 1870; rt-sicleil here until 'Vlarcli4 JKPl, 




when he moved to.McClure. Pa,, ami renrain^d 
there until April I, 1S95, wheri. he returned t»- 
Beaver Springs and ci*ntinued in business here 
as a Kcneral merchant until N«>v. 1, 1903; remov- 
ed to 1(172 Central avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, and 
resided there until July 1, 19;)5, when he return- 
e.cLto. Beave,r Springs, his present abojjev M.C,. 



Spangler taught the Beaver Springs primar>- 
school in the winter of E886-87; attended Central) 
Penna. College„at New Berlin, Pa., in the sum- 
mer of 1887. On August 2')>, 1887. he entered the: 
m,ercantile business as clerk for Adam SmitK 
and remained in his emf)!oy until Feb. 1, 1891,. 
He then entered the mercantile business for- 
himseK at McOure, ©n March 4. 1891, and con- 
tinued in sarrve until April 1, 1895. On April U. 
!kH98, he bought the general store business ot.' 
Klose Bros., in this place, aad re-entered the 
mercantile business, at which place he cemtinued: 
until Oct. 1, 1903, v, hen he sij-ld out te.R. P. Wag- 
p,erand went to-Cleveland, Ohio-, and engaged in 
the grocer^' husiaess at No^ 05 Quincj' street, and. 
rerruiined at that place two> years. Selling his. 
stock to. Hacker & Cfih, he returned t* Beaver- 
Spring:s, where he is n€tw engaged in the grocery., 
restaurant and ice cream business. Mr. Spang- 
!cr w-as married to. Alvilda M. Wagner, 
'.laughter of Harry and Caroline Wagner, «>n July 
Jl, 1889. He is the father i)f four children, viz: 
Carrie, born Feb. 1. 1891; .lay. barn March 12,. 
1893; Mary, boTn September 1 1, 1895; and Pearl,, 
born July 4, 1900,- all the children are living. The 
subject »f this sketch w as c»nfirmed as a mem- 
ber of Christ Reformed cJiurch. \pri! 13. 1884, by 
Rev. W. M. I.andis. He was initiated in the or- 
der of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
LAdamsburg L»dge Aug. J5,. 1893, of uhich he is 
still an active member and a Past Grand, and 
was a representative lothe meeting of the tirand' 
Lodge at Scranl&ii, Pa. He was elected a di- 
rector »f the public scbools (if Spring township- 
in the Spring of 1891, and served as secretary of; 
said board for two years. Mr. Spangler is the 
firsivice president of the Centennial committee. 
He is also a leading member of the Beaver- 
Springs Mllitar>' Band, a member of the Christ 
Reformed church choir and has for years held! 
the office of deacon in that church. He has also> 
served for years as superintendent of the Sun- 
day school in said church, and as an officer im 
the Christian EndeavQx Soj^ifitv- 



BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



JOHN W. B0WER50X. 

Mr. Bowersox was born at Beavertown, Sny- 
der county. Pa., March 18, 1882; attended the 
public schools of that place and clerked in his 




father's stoie until ISyears-of age, u'hen "he at- 
•cepted a position in the grecery store .of I. J. 
iMiddagh, at Paters«n, Pa., remaining there for 
(five m-anths; he then returned tc his father's 
rstore at Beavertcwn and worked during the 



summer of 1900. In the fall of that year he en- 
tered Susquehanna University and graduated 
from the preparatory department in June, 1902. 
He then accepted a position in the dry goods 
store of John M. Starr, at Lewistown, Pa., rer 
maining there for nine months, then took a po- 
sition with the Standard Steel Works, playing 
third base on the Burnham base ball team dur- 
ing the season of 1904; he worked at the steel 
works for two years and from there came to thi^ 
place and engaged in the general merchandise 
tiusiness, succeeding Wagner & Ritter. He car- 
ries a well assorted stock of first-class goods of 
everjthiing pertaining to his line. He is a popu- 
lar young busijiiess .ijian and has been successfu.) 
fr.om the yery start Mr. Bowersox's parents are 
A. H. and Ada Bowersox. He was married May 
20, 1903., to Miss Tillie M., daughter of J. F. 
Herbster and wite, of Beaverto*vn. Two chil- 
pdr^en, ■Clarence Allen, aged three year^, and 
Ernest Herbster, four months old. are 
a result of this union. Mr, Bowersox is a mem- 
'ber.of the St. ^Peter's Lutheran church, of this 
place, affld is secretary.of the school and presiden;! 
.of the C. E. society -of the same church for the 
past two terms. He is also a memh*;r of the 1.. 
O. O. F. of this place, Jr. O. U. A. M. of Lew 
iistown, and Sons.of Veterans.of Beayertown. 



Marriages. 

.Jan. .3, 18t»7, by Rev. Shindel, WiU- 
8iam Ewing, of Perry Co., to Elmirs 
jV\iddlesw.arth., of M.usser'.s Valley^ 
Snyder Co. 

./yiav 2, 1867. by Rey. Shindel, Pauii 
H. Knepp to Catherin.e .Smith, ^botb 
of West Beaver. 




JHL GF,NE£iAL 5.TOKE OF J. W, BOWFJ^SQX 



BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




THE BEAVtER SPRINGS CREAMERY. 



I'his establishment »aa built in 1894, amd was 
fncorpoi-atetf under the laws of this Siate. In 
IS95, J. B« Kurtz, of Reading, purcbased the 
creamery and ttonce put it inti!>> operatiO'n, suc- 
cessfully continuing the business ever fince. It 
turns out ovei four ions of butter some mon'.hs 
and is a igreati beneiiH to- this cwnrr.Oinity, es- 



pecially ta« the farmers, as they could not set 
more than halS the price fortheir butter that thev' 
no-w realize. D. F. Sj>aid has been employed at 
the creamery srnce- December, 1898, and since 
IQOO has had entire charge of the place, his ser- 
vices giving entire satisfaction t©- both employer 
atud patrons. 



ZSi-Z 




Residcdce of D-F.SPAID..Managar ml the Beavtir Springs Creatnecy. 



(Lift MMktvttk lalbg Satlrnaii. 

of tl)r 5?f ttttsyluania Bailrnali. 

By W. J. KLOSE, Esq. 

About the year ISGf), the rnih'oad question was greatly agitated, and 
the people all along the line of this present railroad, were greatly excited 
over the prospects of having a railroad. Petitions were circulated so- 
liciting stock, and there was scarcely any one who had a little loose mon- 
ey that did not invest in railroad certificates. Thousands of dollars were 
subscribed for the building of the road, and great returns were expected 
upon the promise of the glowing picture painted by those who solicited 
the stock. The work of grading began in the summer of 1867, and was 




THE FIRST DIVISION Vv'ORKMEN ON THE SUNBURY AND LEWISTOWN RAILROAD. 

( From a photograph taken by Ephraim Romig in 1871 at a point a short distance west of the present 
Herald building. The names of the workmen are as follows, commencing at the left: 1, Daniel Car- 
ichner; 2. Thomas Bier Englishman): 3, unknown; 4, Tom Collins (a half-breed Indian ; 5, Harry 
Frybarger, division foreman; 0, Lewis Dolby; 7, John Rearer: 8, Charles Randall, (Englishman; 9, 
James Raudenbush ion horseback). 

ready for laying of the track l)y the Spring of 1871. The track was laid 
from Lewistown eastward as far as Adamsburg, l)y the 10th day of Sep- 
tember, 1871, and great excitement prevailed, people from near and far 
gathered to see the first train, consisting of a locomotive, one passenger 
coach and six trucks enter the town on that day. John Ross was the 
engineer. By Octol)er 80, 1871, the rails were laid to Selinsgrove, and 
on November 1st, the first train was run from Lewistown to Selinsgrove. 
The first car load of wheat was shipped from Adamsburg, on November 
10th, 1871, by Henry Houser. On November 20th two passenger trains 
were run from Lewistown to Selinsgrove, one left Lewistown in the morn- 



HAILIJOADS OF IJKAVKH SPRIXCS 

ing, running to St'linsgVdVi' and returning in the evening, the other U-av- 
ing Selinsgrove in the morning and returning in the evening. Tlie fir^t 
ear Ic.ad of stove coal, sliipped from the mine to Adamshm-g, arrived on 
Novendter 2.")th, ISTl. On r)ecend)er 1st tlie first passenger train run 
thnmgli to Smdiury. The telegrapli i)oles and wires were put ui) as far 




ORAOINO THH SUNBIIUY AND LEWISTOWN RAILROAD. 

(Prom a photograph taken by Pphraim Romig in 1<S71 at a point a short distance west of the 
present Hcrald building. The man at the extreme left with the spike hammer is Milton 1". Smith; 
the one at the extreme right with a crow-bar is William J. Klose and the man behind him with a 
spike hammer, is Irvin Kinney.) 

as Adamshurg, hy the 20th day of January, LST'i, and mail was first ear- 
ried hy train on this rail road, January 2:^), 1S72. 

Everyhody was enjoying the use and henetit of the railroad until 
Dee. ol,l<S74, when the eompany shut up shop, removed all rolling stock, 
and suspended operations. The eompany found they had an elephant 
on their hands, the road was condenmed and sold hy the sheriff, and the 
stock holders' certificates were not worth the paper tliey were printed on, 
however they make a handsome railroad souvenir. After the road had 
passed into the hands of new managers, preparations were made to re- 
sume operations; accordingly on May 8, 1<S7(), a repair train was sent 
over the road to make all necessary repairs. On the 4th an inspection 
tiaiii was sent over the road, and from that time on, the work of repair- 
ing tlie road was kept up, and on the 24th day of July, 1<S7(), regular 
traflic was resumed, and all trains regularly run on schedule time. The 
first station of tlie town, the i)rivate property of Henry Houser, was lo- 



RAIT.ROADS OF BEAVER SPRIN(4S 

catod where the wareliouse of F. W. Gundruni now stands. This was 
used for a few years, then the company built a new station attlie crossing 
near A. M. Aurand's printing office, where it remained until al)Out six 
3'ears ago, when it was removed to its present site. 

Tlie railroad bridge (or several spans) across the Susquehanna, at 
Selinsgrove was burned on February 17, 1S77, bi;t was rebuilt inmiedi- 







.J/v 



ately, and traffic to Sunbury resumed, April 1-1, 1S77. 

The following have been Telegraph Operators and Station Agents at 

tliis place: Jacobs, D. B. Wetzel, Frank Fisher, J. E. Forrester, 

J. I). Hamilton, O. B. ]\r. Arnold, S. P. AVarner, Hurley Romig, O. C. 
J^owersox, and Chauncey Wetzel. The last named is tlie first night oper- 
ator at this office. This road is doing a flourishing business, and is one 
*ti till' Ix^st paying branch roads in the state. 




THE "BIG SPRING" 

Located on the property of L. R. Haines. There are about seventy-five springs of pure water in 

the town of Beaver Springs and Township of Spring. 



T^ESTDEXCES OF BEAVER SPRIXCiS 




Rt'sidence of William J. Klose, Esq. 




Residoncc of M. W. S. Rcnfer, Mcrdiniit Miller 



RESIDENCES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




Residence and Family of of J. W. Snook. 




i|l!li!I!!;!;n" 



Residence of ^^'illiilln Hclfi-icli, I'eola, (Suburb of Beaver Springs.) 



^rrrrt BomtxtB nf thr u;initu. 



iBnv intUiam 1§. li|rrs fust Nn. IU2 OJrattiJ Army nf tl)r 

Mnjnr Willi;iiii II. r.ycrs Post, No. I^S-l, iVpartincnt of IVniisylvii- 
nin, (J. A. II., was iiaincd in honor of coinvadc William H. Uycrs, a 
int'niluT of compan}- 1, Fort^'-ninth Pennsylvania X'oluntccrs, wlio,attli(' 
orji;anization of the company, was olioscn First Lieutenant, in Fel»ruary, 
ISC) I. The Post was mustered hy comrade Joseph A. Luml)ard, of Cap- 
tain ('. S. Davis Post, assisted hy comrade Benner, of Lieutenant Benja- 
min Benfert Post, Octolier 12, 1<S,S8, with tlie following-nanied cliarter 
memhers: Dr. A. INL Smith, Samuel Werner, William J. Klos(>, Henry 
H. l^auh, Sr., James F. Keller, 'L. R. Haines, Samuel J. CJundrum, 
Isaac (-Jetz, William H. Ewing, Joseph SchrelHer, I^ip /^oiig, L. J. 
Manheck, Lewis Bauch, Daniel Peigle and David BrowuT 

The following-named comrades were installed as otiicers of tlie post: 
Samuel Werner, P. C\; W. J. Klose, S. V. (\; Henry H. Lauh, Sr., J. 
\'. C; James F. Keller, Adjt.; Samuel J. (iundvum/ (^. M.; Isaac (ietz, 
Surg.; L. R. Haines, Chap.; A. M. Smith, 0. 1)1? M'illiam II. Ewing, 
0. (}.; Philip Zong, (^. M. S. ; Joseph S'-hreffler, Sergt. Maj. 

]\hij. Wm. H. Byevs Post of Beaver Springs has existed since its or- 
ganization in ISS;'), with an interval of a year, or-^i year and a half, dur- 
ing which short period it had dishanded, only for reorganization on a 
stronger basis, and is now one of the most flourishing I^)sts in the county. 
In dishanding, the Post lost its original number, '\Sl, and upon reorgan- 
ization received its present nundjer, (U2. 

Ihu-ing its existence the following comrades and Post mend)ers have 
gone to that great beyond, and camped on that cDcrnal camping ground 
from whence no traveler returns, there to await the coming of the re- 
maining few: Jacob Martin, Philip J. Man beck, Jerry C.Hackenlierry, Amos 
L.Hackenl)erry,Levi Swanger,Moses Middleswarth,P. Louis Manlx ck, Reu- 
ben Klose, Isaac Wetzel,Sam'lBrininger,.lacobNerhoo(l,Sam'l J.(iundrum, 
Isaa('(ietz, Henry (Jetz, John tiilbert, Joseph Shannon, F])ln-aim Howell, 
Fdward J>eaver, James Aurand, Benjamin Hoffman, Heulien Z(climan, 
David IJrown, Simon Sipe, Israel Moyer, Wm. II. Herl)ster. 

The following are memhers of the Post in good standing at this date, 
July 2S, lilOG: A. .AI. Smith, Co. I, 49th Regt. P. V.; W.J. Klose, Co. 
F, is4th Begt. P. v.; II. H. Laub, Co. H, 4mh Regt. P. V.; James F. 
Keller, Co. D, 74th Pegt. P. v.; S. A. Wetzel, Co. I, 181th liegt. P. V.; 
Jos.Middleswarth, Co. I), 74th Regt. P. V.; Edward Freed, Co. I), 74th 
Regt. P. v.; Jacob Wetzel, Co. D, 74th Regt. P. V.; Wm. H. Coleman, 
Co. A, Uth Regt. Pa.Cav.; S. I). Specht, Co. F., 1 istb Pvcgt. Pa. Cav.; 
P.obert Hassinger, Co. G., 172d Regt. P. D. M.; Paul II. Knepp, Co. F, 
LUst Regt. P. v., and Co. I,LS4th Regt. P. V. ; W. II. Ewing, Co. D, 47th 
PvcgtP. v.; T. E.Rcitz,Co.F.,21()th Regt.P.V. ;S.Bickel,Co.H, ItHli Regt. 
P. v.; (Jeo.Bilger, Co. I, 184th Regt. P.V., and Co. G, 172d Regt. I). M.; 
Samuel Werner, Co. E, 1st Regt. Md. Cav.; D. (L Buck, Co. M, 'M 
Regt. P. H. A.; Isaac Dunn; L.R.Haines, Co. I, lS4th Regiment P. V.; 
Lewis Ranch, Co. I, isith Reut. P. V. 



SECRET SOCIETIES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

Present OFnoEus of the Post. 

Dr. A. M. Smith, Coinman<Icr; George Bilger, Senior Vice Com- 
mander; Samuel Bickel, Jmiior Vice Commander; Wm. J. Klose, Ad- 
jutant; Henry H. Laub, Q,r. Master; D. S. Specht, Surgeon; L.R.Haines, 
C-haplain; Paul H. Knepp, Officer of the Day; Geo. A. Kline, Officer of 
the Guard; Ltwis H. Ranch, Sergt . Major; Wm. H. Ewing, Qr. Mas- 
ter Sergeant. 

May the remaining few members of the Post be vigilant so as to be 
ready when taps are sounded . 

"When the years of earth are over and the cares of earth are done. 

When the reign of Time is ended, and Eternity begun, 
When the thunders of omnisicience on our wakened senses roll; 

When, among the lofty mountains and across the mighty sea. 
The sublime celestial bugler shall ring out the reveille. 

Then shall march with brightest laurels, and with proud, victorious tread. 
To their station up in heaven, our Grand Army of the Dead." 



mh iF^Uouia. 

This Lodge was instituted March 80, lSi)2, at Beaver Springs, Pa., 
by PI. .1. Deobler, of Selinsgrove, District Deputy Grand Master of Sny- 
der county, witli the following 

Charter Members: 

Adam Smith, .James H. Long, A. M. Aurand, .J. A. Laul), William 

B. Woodling, J. I. Bingaman, H. I. Romig, Samuel Werner, Albright 
Dreese, Ammon M. Smith, S. S. Sigler, P. E. Hackenburg, J. H. Lk)yd, 

C. H. Getz, C. E. Lloyd, A. M. Smith, M. D., Robert S. Smith, Lewis 
Ranch . 

> The Lodge increased in membership from year to year, and is the 
mother of McClure Lodge No. 770, I. 0. 0. F., which is also a thriving 
organization. Following is a list of 

Members and Those Who Are Past Grands : 

Aurand, A.M., P. G. ; Aurand, A.W.; Bateman, Moses; Beaver, Henry; 
Bickhart, J. Herman; Bingaman, J. I., P. G.; Bingaman, W. W.,P. G.; 
Bowersox,J.W. ; Crouse, Bruce H. ; Dreese, James, P. G. ; Ewing, Charles ;Fel- 
ker , Isaac M . , P . G . ; Felker , Reuben , P . G . ; Fuhrman , Lester A . ; Gif t , Ral ph 
E.; Goss, Adam; Goss, James A.; Graybill, Hoj't C; Gross, V. J.; 
Hackenburg, P. E., P. G.; Hartman, Miltcm A.; Hammond, Geo. W.; 
Hartman, L. S.; Harley, Wm. E.; Helfrich, Charles; Holtzapple, Fred, 
P. G.; Hommel, James A.; Howell, Wm. F.; Kerr, G. C; Kaltriter, 
Chas. A.; Kern, Frank N.; Keller, Chas. E., P. G.; Kempfer, .lacol) 
F.; Klingler, .lohn O. ; Kn(>pp, Edward; Lantz, G. D.; Lepley, Henry 
J.; Lloyd, Charles E.; Lloyd, John H., P. G.; Long, Charles C; Long, 
.lames H., P. G.; McElrath, John D.; Markley, Daniel B., P. G. ; 
Mitchell, H. J., P. G.; Nerhood, Levi W. ; Ranch, Lewis, P. G.; Reitz, 

D. B.; Riegel, W. IL; Rigel, P. F. ; Ritter, Henry F. ; Romig, H. I., 
P. G.; Sheary, S. F.,P. G.; Sigler, Geo. R.; Smith, Adam, P. G.; 
Smith, A. M., P.G.; Smith, Ammon: Smith, Charles G.; Smith, H.O., 
P. G.; Smith, M.W.; Snook, J. F.; Spahn,H.H., P.G. ;Spangler, J. B., 
P.G.; Stetler,A. L.; Stetler, Calvin; Stumpff, Chas. ;Swanger, (Jeo. W. ; 



SECRET SOCIETIES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

Thomas, Win. II., P. (i.; Wagner, Rol)t. F.; Walter, Daniel; Werner, 
Sanuiel, P. (I.; Winter, Isaac, P. G.; Veager, Simon. 

H. I. Romig, of Beaver Springs, has been elected District Deputy 
Grand Master of Snyder count^^ for several terms, and the siime ollice is 
at present filled by J. I. Bingaman, of this j^lace. 

The ollicers of the Lodge for the term are as follows: P. Ci., W. H. 
Riegel; N. (}., Annnon Smith; V. G., P. F. Rigd; Secretary, H. J. 
Mitchell; Treas., J. F. Snook; R. S. N. G., H. I. Romig; L. S. N. G., 
W. W. liingaman; W., G. D. Lantz; C, J. B. Spangler; R. S. S., J. D. 
Dreese; L. S. S., W. II. Thomas; Chap., H. O. Smith; O. (i., D. 15. 
Markley; I. G., I. M. Felker; R. S. V. G., A. M. Smith; L. S. V. G., 
A. M. Aurand. Tru.stees: .J. B. Spangler, G. D. Lantz, A.M. Aurand. 
Rep. toG. L., I. M. Felker. Rep. to Orphans' Home, H. I. Rtmiig. 




Beaver Springs Flouring Mill, M. W. S. Benfer, Proprietor. 



I never saw a stick of candy in my 
boyhood. About the time of the civil 
war I ate my first saucer of icecream. 
It was made by my son-in-law to 
sell. Boys did not learn to chew or 
smoke until they were about eighteen 
years old. They had no money to 
buy with. Their wages belonged to 
their parents. Cnderclothing were 
practically unknown until about or 



near the time of the Civil war. Over- 
coats were seen occasionally on 
men; but boys and young men did 
not have them. A clock cost $50 and 
occupied a corner of the kitchen from 
the floor to the ceiling. They were 
not as plenty as now. Watches were 
scarce except among the wealthy, or 
persons who needed them, such as 
teachers and preachers. —Thomas W. 
Shipman. 



RESIDENCES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




Residence of .J(^hn D. Benfor 




Residence of Ira A. Kline 



RESIDENCES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




• DRUGSTORE. 



Residence and Drug Store of Dr. J. O. A\'agner. 




Ilesidcncc of .Lunes D. Dreese. 



RESIDENCES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




Residence of Reuben Dreese. 




Residence of Robert Smith. 



The Board of Trade. 

In 1900 a Board of Trade wasorgan- 
zied with the following officers: 
Hon. A. M. Smith, M. D., President; 
W. J. Klose, Ist Vice President; F. P. 
Decker, 2d Vice President; A. M. 
Aurand.Rec. Secretary; J. D. Haines, 
Cor. Secretary; Reuben Dreese, Treas- 
urer. Executive Committee: K. C. 
Walter, W. H. Dreese, J. B. Spangler, 



D. F. Spaid, P. H. Knepp, J. O. 
Klingler. 

The following offer was publicly 
made: "Free land sites and other in- 
ducements offered to industrial con- 
cerns locating at Beaver Springs, Pa." 

Among the most advantageous re- 
sults in response to this offer has 
been the erection of the wagon works 
and other business enterprises for 
the town. 



RESIDENCES OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




Residence of Hurley Romig, P. R. K. Station Agent. 




Residence and Faniilv of W. E. ^MIIUt 



VIEWS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




John O. Klingler's Residence and Wagon Factory. 

The factory manufactures two and four-horse wagons and spring 
wagons, and employs twelve to twenty hands the year round. The fac- 
tory was established in 1902. 




Klingler's Wagon Works and a General View of Harrisonville, a Suburb 

of Beaver Springs. 



Marriages. Oct. 17, 1894, by James F. Keller, 

May 10, 1891, by Rev. 1. P. Neff, J. P., Franklin Gilbert of Beaver 

Chas. E. Keller and Rosa Alice Lash, Springs, to Sadie B. Folk of Beaver- 

both of Adamsburg. town. 



VIEWS OF I'.EAFEi; SITvIXCS 



/ 



/ 







2)edP^r'Spr>J^^^ ^a • 




The Herald building, 25x45 feet, two stories, was erected by A. M. 
Aurand, the present owner, in 1894, and in 1900 another two-story building, 
20x40 feet, was erected at the rear of the above building. Here is done a 
printing and publishing business now averaging more than $25,000 per 
year, orders coming from all parts of the United States. The plant ex- 
ecutes all kinds of high class job work, prints six newspapers and publishes 
many books yearly. More than 50,000 books and Bibles are shipped an- 
nually from this establishment, which has received over $150,000 in orders 
from a distance during the past ten years, a goodly portion of which amount 
has remained in town and gone into various improvements here. The 
plant isconstantly taxed to its full capacity and the business will be great- 
ly ihcreased if the present owner keeps hishealth. In 1898 the proprietor 
erected the residence shown above. 




Market Street, Peola, Looking Hast. (Suburb of Beaver Springs.) 



VIEWS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




Merchants' Hotel and General Store of H. M. Pontius. 




Residence of Frank A. Benfer. 



Barney Hufferd operated a pottery 
plant which was afterward turned 
into a tannery and operated as such 
by Banks Dreese, later by Dr. A. M. 
Smith and Reuben Fessler, later by 
Charles A. Schieren, of New York 



City. The buildings were torn away 
six or eight years ago and the land 
sold to A. M. Aurand, who erected 
several residences and business 
houses thereon and all vestige of a 
former industry, employing many 
men, has passed away. 



HISTORY OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




The Schambach Family. 
The parents, John Schambach and wife, (seated.) The children standing:, 
from left to right, are as follows: James, Elizabeth, Howard, Mary and 
Annie. 



In the early part of the century a 
Paper Mill was operated on an exten- 
sive scale a short distance south of 
the farm buildings now owned by 
William H. Riegel. There was an 
extensive water power here at the 
time and it furnished power for sev- 
eral plants. This paper mill was 
operated by Jacob Keller, grandfather 
of James F. Keller, Esq., a present 
citizen of the town. The mill employ- 
ed quite a number of hands. The 



paper was made from rags, as the 
process of making paper from wood 
and other materials was unknown 
at that time. 

Marriagfcs, 

Sept. 28, 1890, by Rev. Landis, 
Charles A. Wagner and Sarah J. 
Laub, both of Adamsburg. 

March 8, 1891, by Rev. Landis, 
Charles C. Gross and Annie C. Bil- 
ger, both of Adamsburg. 



HISTORY OF REAVER t^PRINGS 

John Schambach and Wife, Deceased. 

John Schambach, a son of Christian Schambach and wife (nee Walter) 
who had come from Montgomery county. Pa., and settled one mile north 
of Middleburg, on the farm now owned by James Crouse, where he farmed 
and made the woodwork for wagons; he was close to 90 years when he 
died and is buried in the cemetery at Middleburg. John Schambach was 
one of a large family — 15 children — all grown up to maturity, 10 sons and 
5 daughters. He was born Oct. 5, 1830, one mile north of Middleburg and 
learned the trade of wagon making with his brother George. He came to 
Beaver Springs in about the year 1849 and worked for George Wagner for 
several years at his trade. Wagner died in 1851 and he became his success- 
or. He carried on the trade for about four years in Beaver Springs when he 
moved three-fourth mile west of town and worked at the trade for about 
42 years, when he died July 31st, 1898, and lies buried in the new cemetery 
at Beaver Springs. Catherine Schambach, his wife, was born Nov. 13th, 
1832 and died March 21st, 1894, and is also buried in the new cemetery, in 
the same lot. John Schambach married Catherine Aurand on June 8th, 
1853, and five children were born to them, 2 sons and 3 daughters, all liv- 
ing: Howard, the oldest, living in Lewistown, is track foreman on the 
Sunbury and Lewistown Div.; James, residing at Beaver Springs, employ- 
ed in the Klingler wagon factory; Mary, married to Austin Bingaman, re- 
siding \h miles east of Beavertown; Elizabeth, married to Albert Engle, 
residing in Beavertown, and Annie, married to William Dreese, re- 
siding in Beavertown. 




Tln-ee of tlio Anrand RuildinRs Along Railroad Aveniio 



VIEWS AJJOIT J5EAVEK SrUINCJS 




Large barn of Samuel Shirey, erected in 1006 by the following carpenters, shown in the above 
illustration, reading from left to right: Ammon J. Ocker, Anthony W. Krebs, Milton Manbeck and 
James O. Snook. 




The U. S.Mail, one horse wagon, ready to leave Beaver Springs for TroxeKille. Two trips be- 
tween these to'iNiis are made daih'. W. F'. Blee, carrier. 



RESIDENCES OE BEAVER SPRINGS 




Residence of Foster Smith. 




■Rosidcnoo of H. I. Romig. 



IIISTOTJV OF BEAVETJ ST'TJTXCIS 




An Old Landmark. 
Above cut shows the wagon making shop of John Schambach (deceased,) 
located at the west end of Dr. Smith's grove a mile west of town. Here 
Mr. Schambach worked at his trade for a period of 42 years, making the 
.wood-work for wagons and buggies; he also made some of the first grain 
drills used in this section, and also made shakers for threshing machines, 
one-horse hayrakes with wooden teeth, harrows and cultivators. Farmers 
and others came for many miles to have work done here as Mr. Schambach 
was an expert mechanic in all respects as those know who had work done 
by him. He worked in the Beaver furnace at Paxtonville for some time 
and during the Civil Var worked for the Government on the construction 
corps. In the above cut Mr. Schambach is standing in front of the shop, 
while children are lingering by on their way home from school. 

History of the Beaver Springes Military Band. 
The Beaver Springs l*>and was organized in February, 1881, under a con- 
stitution framed by Dr. J. O. Wagner, with the following-named members: 
J. C. Specht, Phares Romig, R. R. Long, W. P. Gross, J. C. Schambach, 
Albright Dreese, Ephraim Romig, James Dreese, William Youngman, 
Robert Dreese, R. B. Fessler, H. Frybarger, David Getz, James Wetzel. J. 
C. Specht was the first leader. In 1884 W. H. Mitchell was elected leader, 
and has remained such to the present. The band is now known as the 
Beaver Springs Military Band, and consists of the following members: 
Top row, reading from left to right: Daniel B. Markley, Ray S. Lantz, 
Frman Felker, George D. Lantz, .John E. Bolender, Jay Spangler, James 
Fglker, Arthur Brown, Sam'l Werner, Albright Dreese. Middle row: P. 
S. Mitchell, Harry Felker, James C. Schambach, Raymond Wagner, Wm. 
Felker, Reuben Felker. Lower row: Myron Dreese, Samuel Getz, Mark 
Felker, W. E. Miller, Clymer Romig, Charles Klingler, William Mitchell, 
leader, and David Getz. 



MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




< 

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< 



O 

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Cl 
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LiJ 
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CD 

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X 



^rrsicAL orvCANizATfoxs of beaver springs 




THE REFORMED CHURCH CHOIR. 

Top row, reading from left to right: ]\[:irg:irct Shainbach (organ- 
ist), A. W. Mnssor (leader) , [.ottie Smith ; 2(1 row, D. Frank Spaid, 
Kathryn Wetzel, J. 15. Spangler; lower row, Dr. J. (). Wagner, Mrs. 
G. M. Smith, Mrs. J. V. Sehamhaeh, .1. ('. Sehambaeh. 

Joseph Long conducted a gun- The first automobile owned by a 
smith shop at the place where Ira citizen of town was received by Sam- 
Lepley now lives, a mile northwest uel F. Aurand, in August, \9()(\ It 
of town, where he worked at the is a two-seated Locomobile steam- 
trade for 55 years. He was also justice er, the steam being generated by 
of the peace for many years. gasoline. 



MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




THE LUTHERAN CHURCH CHOIR. 

Top row, reading from left to riglit: \V . E. Miller, Reuben Felker, 
W. H. Mitehell, Harry Felker; 2(1 row, James Felker, Lettiee .Mitehell, 
Gertrude ]\[anbeek, Anna Felker; od row, Sallie Sellers, Iva Shannon, 
Howard J. Mitehell; lower row, Mrs. (lertrude Wagner (organist), 
Dessie Klingler, Ella Roush, Palmer Mitchell (leader.) 



An oil mill used to be operated on 
the premises now owned by Mitchell 
Bros., near the present location of the 
saw-mill. It was later changed to a 
clover hulling mill. 

A grist and saw mill was located 
years ago on the land occupied for a 



long time by Henry Felker, deceased, 
supposed to have been operated by a 
man named Romig. Another grist 
and saw mill was located on what is 
now the Amos Amspacker farm, 
south of Raub's Mill, operated by 
John Romig. 



MUSTCAL 0KGAXTZATT0X8 OF BEAVER SPRINGS' 




Jnur ^^tt^rattnns ttf tl|^ ©nmn. 




THE SPANGLER FAMILY. 

(Prom a photograph taken in 1906.) 

Samuel S. Bachman, aged .S(> years; Mary A. Spangler, aged .5() years; 
J. B. Spangler, aged 8fi years, and Carrie A. Spangler, aged 15 years. 



The grist mills in those days made 
good strength-giving flour although 
it wasn't quite so clean. The rats 
and mice would sometimes go into 



-S- 



the stones at night to feed and in the 
morning the careless miller would 
start the mill and sometimes hurt 
the rats.— Andrew Ulsh. 



FOrii (lENEHATIONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




THE MANBECK FAMILY. 

(r^rom a photograph taken in 1005.) 

Anna Manbeek, aged S6 years (since deceased) ; Isaac I. Manbeck, 
aged 63 years; Herbert (!. INIanl^eck, aged 41 years; A. Blanch(> Man- 
beck, aged 17 years. 



The upper story of the buildings 
was not divided into apartments as 
now but all in one room with a bed 
in each corner. Carpets were un- 
known and the floors were scrubbed 
once a week. Mother used to scrub 
half of the floor and dry it then put 
the children on that half until the 



other half was scrubbed. In those 
days women had no washboards or 
washmachines, but boiled the clothes 
and laid them on a bench and beat 
them with a paddle and did some 
rubbing with the hands, in that 
way they were cleaned. — Samuel 
Bachman. 



FOUR GENERATIONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




THE AURAND FAMILY. 

(From a photograph taken in 1Q05.) 

Caroline Aiirand, aged 77 j^ears; Samuel F. Aurand, aged 5(5 j^ears; 
Ambrose^ W. Aurand, aged 28 years, and Alton W. Aurand, agod 4 years. 



The neighbors in acommunity had 
many different methods of amuse- 
ment. In the fall they had apple- 
butter parties; a couple would stir or 
take care of the kettle, the others 
would pair and slice apples, and 
when the applebutter was done they 
would "lick the kettle." During 
haymaking they often had moon- 



light mowing parties to mow grass. 
About ten o'clock they had a good 
supper and something to drink. 
They enjoyed work. The ladies had 
quilting parties and after the quilt 
was done the young men in the 
neighborhood would also assemble 
and dance until late at night.— P. 
Michael Beaver. 



VOV\{ (JENEPvATIONS OF ]^.EA\'KI{ SPKINCS 




THE RAUGHT FAMILY. 

(From a photograph taken in 1905.) 

Eli/alictli I'ontiiif^, agod 79 years; Sarali J. Raiiglit, aged 55 years; 
Delpliena J. Krelts, aged 'M years, and Nellie \'. Krehs, aged 18 j^ears. 
All are living and in rolnist health. 



ELIZABETH PONTIUS. 

Elizabeth F'ontius, daughter of John and Anna Lehr (nee Peter), was born one mile northwest 
of Beaver Springs, September 21, 1S27, and at the age of 21 years was married to Daniel Pontius and 
n^oved on a farm two miles west of Beaver Springs, where they spent many years profitably to- 
gether. There was born to this union two children. Sarah .lane and Banks, the latter died in child- 
hood. Sarah .lane was married June (). 18t)<), to Frederick Raught, and made their home with the 
former's parents and assisted them with the labors connected with farming. To them were born six 
daughters, viz : Cora Flizabeth. nov\- married to J. J. Morrow: Delphena Jane, married to A. W. 
Krebs; Annie Matilda, married to Clymer Romig; Charlotte Mabel. Kate May and Lillian Miriam, 
the last three unmarried. Flizabeth Pontius is still very active and able to do some work, both 
in the house and garden. She is one of the oldest citizens of Beaver Springs, having six grand- 
children and four great-grand-children. 



OlttigraH 0f Mmwx ^pringa. 



Brief Sketches and Portraits of Present Residents and Business Men. 



SAMUEL 5. BACHMAN. 

Samuel S. Bachman, a son of John and Eliza- 
beth (nee Swineford) Bachman, who emigrated 
from Lehigh county, in the year 1823, located in 
Svvinefordstown, now Middleburg, then in Union 
county. Mr. Bachman, Sr., was a miller by trade 
and run the old mill located where the Franklin 
Mills now stands. The subject began life as a 
clerk when about 15 years of age for Simon 
Frank, a Jew, who had a store in Swinefords- 
lown 'Middleburg) at that time. At the age of 17 
years he came to Adamsburg and clerked a year 
or two for Henry Mick, who then had a store and 




hotel in the old stone mansion on Water street. 
He then went to Richfield, Juniata county, and 
c'erked for Abraham Qraybill for a year and a 
half; then spent a year traveling with Johnnie 
Weller's Flying Circus. He then settled down in 
married life; was united in marriage to Miss 
Christina Fike, June 18, 1840. and unto them were 
born six children, five sons and one daughter as 
follows: Pharus, living in Yeagertown; Irvin, 
(since died); Wellington, living in Plymouth, 
Ind.; Albert, living in Niles, Mich.; Alice M., in- 
termarried to Jonathan Spangler, and with whom 
the subject of the sketch is now living; and Cal- 



vin, also dead. Irvin died in single blessedness, 
but Calvin left a family to mourn his loss. Mr. 
Bachman has fourteen grandchildren and twenty- 
six great grandchildren living. After his marriage 
he moved to Adamsburg and worked on a farm 
for his old employer, Henry Mick, for a few 
years, then at intervalsclerked for David Hoovel- 
er at Beavertown, and James Smith, also at 

Beavertown, and for Frederick who had a 

store at Beavertown and run a branch store at 
Troxelville. Mr. Bachman running the branch 
store. This was about the year 1850. About this 
time or a little later a man by the name of John 
Margretz had a store at what is jnow known as 
Fishers Mills, in West Beaver Twp., who became 
involved and turned over the store to John Fike, 
a brother-in-law of Mr. Bachman, to sell the 
goods and settle accounts. Mr. Fike, knowing 
the ability of Mr. Bachman as a salesman, engag- 
ed him as clerk which position he held until the 
goods were turned into cash and accounts set- 
tled. The last of the goods were sold at auction, 
old Mr. George Kaley being the auctioneer. He 
became a member of the Reformed church of 
Adamsburg, Rev. L. C. Edmonds, pastor, in the 
year 1878, and for many years served as elder 
under the pastorage of Revs. Edmonds and Rom- 
ig. In this same year by Joel Row, John D. 
Romig and Moses Krebs, then county commis- 
sioners, was appointed tax collector of Beaver 
township, which office he faithfully filled for six 
years. Mrs. Bachman was born March 9, 1819, 
and was a faithful member of the church from 
her youth and died March b, 1880, and was buried 
on the sixty-first anniversary of her birth and 
lies in the old cemetery. After her death he 
went to live with his daughter, and for three 
years clerked for his grandson, James B. Spang- 
ler, then living at McClure. He was now getting 
well along in years and quit work, except doing 
tree and vine grafting, at which he was an ex- 
pert, and took to hunting, trapping and fishing 
and still takes delight and pleasure in the rec- 
reation. He is hale and hearty and possesses all 
his faculties, and at the age of nearly 87 years can 
read the finest print without the aid of glasses. 



Marriagfes« 

Dec, 28, 1880, by Rev. Irvine, Geo. 
S. Lepley, of Adamsburg, to S.Ellen 
Reitz, of Middlecreek township. 

Dec. 29, 1880, by Rev. Irvine, Mos- 
es Benfer and Rebecca Snook, of near 
Adamsburg. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



W. EDGAR MILLER. 

Mr. Miller was born February- 21, 187Q, at Mont- 
Komery, Lycoming county. Pa., and is the oldest 
son of B. Pranklin and Ada Miller (latter deceased 



of the Williamsport Grit. Mr. Miller came to 
Beaver Springs October \5, 1000, to take the fore- 
manship of the Aurand Printing and Publishing 
House, which office he still holds. He is an ex- 




since 1886.) He attended the public schools at 
Montgomery until the age of fourteen, when he 
entered the Mirror Publishing House of the same 
place and learned the printing trade. I-ive years 
later he went to Hughesville, Pa., and was em- 
ployed in the printing office of the Hughesville 
Mail for three years. While at Hughesville he 
was also employed on the correspondents' staff 



pert printer on every class of work and has never 
had any difficulty with those employed under 
him. He was married to Carrie E., daughter of 
William H. and Orpha Youngman, September 
26, 1001. Three children were born to this fam- 
ily : Albert F-ranklin, Olive Leone and Lloyd 
Edgar. Mr. Miller is a member of the Beaver 
Springs Military Band and also of the Lutheran 
S. S. Orchestra. 



13: 



The Town in 1832. Middlecreek and Lillie \. Smith, of 

A gazetteer of the state of Pennsyl- Beaver Springs, 
vania published in Philadelphia in Sept. 28, 18Q7, by Rev. B. F. Kautz, 
1832 by T. Belknap, and in the private Jacob Wagner to Gertrude F. Dreese, 
library of A. M. Aurand, of this place, both of Beaver Springs, 
gives this descriotion of the town: Sept. 28, 1897, by Rev. L. Dice, Ira 
"Adamsburg, Beaver township, A. Kline, of Troxelville, to Irene M. 
Union county, at the foot of Black Benfer, of Adamsburg. 
Oak Ridge, about 12 milessouthwest Dec. 30, 1890, by Rev. Wetzler, Ed- 
of New Berlin, contains 25 dwellings, ward Hackenberry to Kate A. Getz, 
1 store, 1 tavern and a Presbyterian both of Beaver Springs. 

Aug. 15, 1841, by Rev. Shindel, 
Daniel Alter to Salome Mattern, both 
of Beaver Twp. 

Sept. 3, 1844, Reuben Klose to Sarah 
Middleswarth, both of Beaver Twp. 



church." 



Marriages. 
Jan. 12, 1896, by Rev. P. C. Weid- 
enmyer, Willard W. Bingaman, of 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 

M. W. 5. BENFER. engaged in the milling business. Mr. Benferwas 

Mr. Benfer was born Aug. 7th, 1859 the <;on of ^^'^ °'^"^'' '" ^^^ Spring Telephone Co. from IQOO 

Paul Benfer and wife. Lerah (nee Bingaman). !° '?°^' {i°''?'"« ^^^- feasurership in this com- 

„ , J , >j. i&ciiiiaii;. pany. He is now director m the First National 

He worked on the farm until he was 21 years old. Bank at McClure, Pa., and his son Erman is 




then was employed for one year by George E. cashier of the same institution. His father died 

Beck at the milling trade in 1880. In 1881 he went at the age of 87 years and his mother at 80 years, 

to Michigan and worked at milling for one year Mr. Benfer was married to Jennie A. Wetzel, of 

for J. W. Hoffman. Three Rivers, Mich,, and on Clearfield, Pa., in April, 1883. The one son, Er- 

April 2, 1882, he began milling at the mill he oc- man, named above, is the only child that has 

cupies now. For twenty-six years he has been olessed this union. 



Deaths* 

Daniel Treaster, an aged citizen, 
died Sunday evening, Nov. 6, 1887, 
aged 72 years. He was confined to 
the house only ten days, with con- 
sumption, having been sickly, how- 
ever, for over a year. 

George W. Swenk, son of William 
Swenk, of this place, died Saturday 
morning, Oct. 27, 1§88, at the home 
of his brother-in-law, Mr. Fillman, 
in Missouri, aged 30 years. For 
three years he was a traveling sales- 
man for a Philadelphia medical 
house. He contracted rheumatism 
and ague, from the results of which 
he died. 



.ii)_ 



Marriages. 

July 16, 1877, by Rev. A. Romich, 
James P. Raudenbush to Elizabeth 
J. Mohney, both of Adamsburg. 

Jan. 13, 1884, by Rev. Dietzler, Jas. 
A. Felker and E. Virginia Woodling, 
both of Adamsburg. 

Oct. 30, 1884, by Rev. Dietzler, Wm. 
J. Bilger, of Adamsburg, and Mrs. 
Sarah E. Ocker, of Middlecreek. 

Dec. 23, 1884, by Rev. Stetler, J. O. 
Wagner, M. D., of Adamsburg, to 
Ellen Gross, of Beavertown. 

Sept. 28, 1884, by Rev. Dietzler, 
Wm. Mitchell, of Adamsburg, and 
Jane Wagner, or West Beaver. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



HENRY H. LAUB. 

Henr>' H. Laub was born in New Holland, Lan- 
caster Co., Pa„ on Jan. 10th, 1840. His father, 
Jacob, and mother, Rlizabeth, removed with his 




CHARLES E. KELLER. 

Mr. Keller was born in Beaver Springs, May P, 
1870, his parents being Thomas J. and Elizabeth 
Keller (nee Specht). He went to Chicago in 1890, 
residing there about one year. He was married 
to Rosa A. Losche and the following children 
have blessed this union: Ralph Leslie, age 15 
years; Grace Margureite, age 12 years; Maude 
Beatrice, age 1 1 years; Gay Thyra nieanore, age 
2 years. All take an interest in music and art. 
He went to Elkins, \V. Va., for five months; 
worked in the lumbering regions about eight 
years in the western and northern counties; went 
to Philadelphia in 1900 and held a position for two 
years as conductor for the Union Traction Co., 
returned home and went into the butchering 
business in which business he is now engaged. 
He is a member of Christ Reformed church of 
this place since 1887; member of G. W. C. A., of 



familj' to Juniata Co., Pa., in 1845. He was edu- 
cated in the common schools until 1859, when he 
entered the academy at McAlisterville, then con- 
ducted by Geo. P. Mcl-arland. In the winter of 
'60 and '61 he taught school in West Beaver 
township, Snyder Co., Pa., and the next summer 
entered school again and in the fall and winter of 
'61 and '62 taught school in the same township 
and county. On .April 2, 1862, he enlisted in Co. 
H, 49th Regt. P. V. I. for three years, or during 
the war. He served his time and remained with 
the army until the surrender at Appomatox 
Court House, arriving home in Snyder Co., May 
.5th, 1865. He was married to Louisa Shout, 
daughter of Adam Shout, of West Beaver town- 
ship, Snyder Co., Pa. To this union were born 
six children, viz : Harry, George and Jacob, 
Sallie Jane, Elizabeth Isophene, Grace Victoria. 
He resided in West Beaver, Beaver and Spring 
townships since his return from the war. His 
occupation was a carpenter but he has taken up 
fruit growing for the last twenty years for a liv- 
ing. He held the office of township auditor of 
West Beaver for several terms. In Spring town- 
ship he held the office of assessor, supervisor, tax 
collector, auditor, census enumerator for 1890, 
school director for three terms. He has held an 
office in the church to which he belongs since 
1874; is now secretary of Christ Reformed church 
of Beaver Springs, and treasurer of the Joint 
Consistory of the Beaver Springs charge. He 
belongs to the G. A. R. Post 612 of this place, has 
been Post Commander and passed all the chairs 
and has held the office of Quartermaster for the 
last fourteen years in succession. 




Chicago, member of Adamsburg Lodge No. 566 
I. O. O. F. since 1897; has held all the offices in 
said lodge and passed the chairs; is at present a 
Past Grand. 



Marriagfes. 

June 18, 1877, by Rev. Wieand, 
John McElrath, of Riverside, Cum- 
berland Co., to Lydia Romig, of 
West Beaver township, Snyder Co. 

Dec. 27, 1883, Rev. Stetler, Peter F. 
Rigle, of Adams township, to Lizzie 
E. Hassinger, of Decatur township, 
Mifflin Co. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



CLYMER ROMIG. 



IRA A. KLINE. 



Clymer Romig, son of Ephraim and Ada S. Ira Albert Kline was born at Troxelville. Pa., 
Komig, was born Jan. 6. 1877, in Adamsburg, on the 22nd of MaTch, 1872. The name Kline is 
now Bea%'er Springs, Pa., and has been a citizen of German origin. In the seventeenth century 

Stuffle Kline emigrated from Germany to Berks 
county from which the name originates. His 
father, Josiah, died ten years ago and his mother, 
thirty years ago. His father was a farmer, there- 
fore his early life was passed as a farmer's boy. 
Though left m-otherless at the age of four years, 
he remembers his mother's sickness and death 
as though it happened yesterday. In his earliest 
years, however, the love of books was the master 
pjssion of his soul. His heart's desire was to 
become a public school teacher, for which pro- 
fession he prepared himself by attending nine 
various Normals. He taught sixteen successful 
years in succession. He has abanck)ned teach- 
ing and accepted a clerical position with the 
printing and publishing d©partment.of the Amer- 
icin Piablistitng Co.. and in W06 <was appointed 




■of the to'wn ever since. He entered the Herald 

'•Office at the age -of fifteen and after working four 

years at the trade he took up the profession of a 
teacher in the public schools, where he spent 

leight years of successful work in instructing and 
training the young for their duties in life. *Jn 
Jan. 27, 1905, he resigned his posttion as teacher 
and again secured a ptace in the A- M- Aurand 
Printing House as bookkeeper and bill- 

iing and shipping clerk. He was elected to the 
office of Justice of the Peace; Feb. 21, 1905, and 
commissioned JVsy 1, 1*;05, for a term -of five 
years. Mr_ 'Romig was married t-o Annie M. 
kaught, daughter of Frederick and Sarah J. 
Uaught, /Vlarcfe 10. 1901, and is a innsmber and 
an active and ardent worker in the St, Peter's 

'Evan. Lutheran church and has been secretary 

■of the Sunday school for a period of eleven year.% 
and is now superintendent of the same, having 
been elected to that olfjce Jan. 1, 1900. He is a 
lover of music and is a member -of the Beaver 
Springs, Pa., military band, which organization 
has won for itself the honor of being one of the 

Heading bands of Central Pennsylvania. He has 
an amiable disposition and is am energetic and 

•trustworthy young man, always ready to help in 
anything that will improve and help to moderjo- 

lize the cemmunity in which he lives. 



Marriages. 
Dec. 25, 1884, by Rev. Orwig, John 
A. Rearick, of Beavertown, to Sallie 
■M, Markiey, of Adamsburg. 

Jan. 1, 1885, by Rev. Stetler, Aaron 
tMoyer, of West Beaver, and Lizzie 
.M. Helfrick, of Adamsburg, 




assistant post master at Beaver Springs, tp 
which town he resides. He is marri d lo C. Irena 
M- Benfer and is an acti*e member.of the Unite(3 
Evangelical cburch-of Tr.«xelvill^. Pa. 



Mairiagfes. 

Aiagust 12, 1880, at Adamsburg, by 
Rev. L. C Eodmonds, Isaac Wetzeii 
and Maggie Swenk. 

Nov. 28, 188Q, by Rev. Edmonds, 
James C. Shambach, of Adamsburg, 
jand Ji.attie Aij:Ier, of Beavertown, 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINCiS. 



HOWARD J. MITCHELL. 

Mr. Mitchell was born Feb, 12, 1S6I), his parents 
being Amos E. and Mary Ann Mitchell. He re- 
sided near Beaver Springs to this time: was mar- 




CHARLES C. GROSS. 

Mr. Gross was born Jan. 18, 1867, in West Bea- 
ver Twp., now Spring township. His father's 
name is Anis Gross and his mother's name Sarah 
(nee LUsh.) He resided in what is now Spring 
Township all his life with the exception of one 
year. 18Q(), when he resided at Bellevue, Ohio. 
He followed farming all his life time; was married 
on March 8th. 18<)1, to Miss Annie Bilger. This 
union was blessed with six children: Jennie, 
George, John, Mark, Cora and Mary, aged 14, 12 
')» 7, 4 and I year respectively. He has held town- 
ship offices as follcws: Judge of election, one 
term; township supervisor, one term; county 



ried to Cora l£. Wagner, from which union two 
children, Harry A. and Grace V'., were born. He 
taught school from 1883 to 188P; has been a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran choir for over twenty-five 
years and secretary of the 1. O. O. I-. Lodge fr&m 
April 1,1901 tothe present time;wasthe represen- 
tative to Grand Lodge l.O.O.F.at Scranton in 1905.. 
Mr. Mitchell has been a member of the Democrat- 
ic County Committee for twelve years and served 
as township auditor for two.termSv 



Marriages. 

Dec. 22, 1881, by Rev. M. L. Dietz- 
ler, .James D. Dreese, of Adamsburg, 
cjind Laura Ellen Straub-, of Painter. 

Nov. 7, 1886, by Rev. Land is, Rob- 
ert McClellan and Jane Maurer, both 
of Beaver Springs. 

Dec. 14, 1-886,, by Rev. Honeycutt, 
Dr. A. M. Smith and Carrie Specht, 
both of Adam^burg.. 

Dec. 20, 1886, by Rev. Honeycutt, 
David Getz, of Adamsburg, to Laura 
E. Zook, of McClure. 

June 19, 1884, by Rev. Dietzler, 
John O. Klingler, of Middlecreek, 
and Anna V. Gundrum, of Adam- 
l?urj^. 




Qpmmitteeoian,. two terms. He has been librar- 
ian and secretary of the Lutheran Sunday school 
for a number of years and deacon of the Luther- 
JU1 church for one year. 



Marriages. 

Dec. 28, 1886, by Rev. Stetler, Em- 
met C. May, of Adamsburg, to Jennie- 
Weiand, of Lowell. 

June 24, 1888, by Rev. J. C. Mum- 
ma, Charles H. Wagner and Mary E.. 
Sellers, both of Adamsburg. 

Dec. 26, 1889, by Rev. Land is, A.. 
M. Aurand and Jennie M. Helfrichv 
both of Beaver Springs. 

Feb. 2. 1890, by Rev. Landis, Harry 
M. Matter and Louisa J. Haines, both: 
of Beaver Springs.. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINOS 



WILLIAM H. MITCHELL. 

Mr. Mitchell, leader of the Beaver Springs band 
and orchestra, was born Sept, 2, 18()4, and is the 
son of Amos E. Mitchell, residing tw« miles west 
•of Beaver Springs. He received a oomrrton 
.school education and in November, 1883, became 
a member of the Beaver Springs feand and after 
being a member three weeks was chosen leader 
and conductor and has held that position to the 



PALMER 5, MITCHELL. 

Mr. Mitchell is a son of W. H. Mitchell and was 
born Oct. 13, 1886, two miles west of Beaver 
Springs. In November, 1804, at the age of eight 
years, he became a member of the Adamsburg 
(now Beaver Springs) band and two years later 
arranged his first piece of music for the band. 
He is also a leading member in the Sunday 
school orchestra. In 1905 he was elected leader 
of the Choral society of the Lutheran congrega- 
tion: he united with the Evan. Luthera<i church 




;present time. On Sept. 28, 1884, he was married 
io Miss S. J. Wagner^ daughter of Henry Wag- 
ner. Two children wer^ born to this union: 
Palmer S, and Lettice M. Mr., Mitchell has fol- 

tlowed farmingand peach growing and was elected 

.school director forone term; united with the Evan. 

iLutheran church at the age of eighteen years, 
and has been a member -of the church council 
sleven years, to the pwesent time, also serving as 

:Sunday school superintendent for one year. 



in April, 18Q9, Rev. I. P. Zimmerman, pastor. 
His present occupation is teaching vocal and in- 
strumental music. 



last 

the 

to 

the 



Marriagfes. 

Oct. 31, 1897, by Rev. B. F. Kautz, 
Ambrose W. Aurand, of Adamsburg, 
to Hettie Hartley, of McClure. 

Oct. 5, 1871, by Rev. Casper, Alvin 
Ulsh, of West Beaver Twp., to Aman- 
da Riegel, of Beaver Twp. 

Dec. 31, 1876, by Rev. Casper, Wil- 
liam Riegel and Mary Maurer, both 
•of Adams Twp. 

Jan. 1, 1839, Andrew Ulsh, Jr., to 
Catherine Miller, both of Beaver. 



Herald, Dec. 16, 1887, 

The Henry Clay Lyceum met 
Friday evening and carried out 
following program: Song, Hail 
America; Roll call, reading of 
minutes of previous meeting, dialogue 
by two little girls, proposals of new 
members, select reading, by Charles 
Klose; essay, by Fred Schrader; Miss 
Lottie Smith and Mr. A. C. Landis 
answered referred questions; song. 
In the Gloaming, by Miss Mollie 
Specht and Miss Jennie Helfrich; 
referred question. Who was John 
Trowbridge ? answered by Charles 
Mumma; question for debate. Resolv- 
ed, That Sabbath Breaking is a Great- 
er Evil than Intemperance. The 
speakers were, on the affirmative side, 
H. 1. Romig, Jacob Kempfer, W. I.. 
Keller; on the negative side, 1. N. 
Johns, H. O. Schrader and Miss 
Annie Shirey. The judges decided ip 
favor of the nej:ative side. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



J. I. BINGAMAN. 

Mr. Bingaman was born April 22, 1855, near 
BeaverttAvn, Pa. At the age of 22 he was mar^ 
ried to Miss Frances C. Ewig, youngest daughter 




of Michael Ewig, of Troxelville; was engaged ioi 
farming for a number of years, then went into 
the farm implement business up to 1892, whe;,! 
he started on the road as a salesman selling ma- 
chinery. Up to the present time Mr. Bingaman 
raised a family of four daughters and six £ons» 
One daughter died at the age of 15 years, the rest 
are all living. He united with the Lutheran 
church March 31, 1888, at this place, J. C. Mumma, 
pastor; jcvined rhe Odd Fellows Oct^ 15,. \8^\, No. 
M)7, Selinsgrove, Pa., later joined as a charter 
member of No. 566, March 30, 181^2, at Beaver 
Springs; elected vice grand in 1894 and served the 
full term; was elected representative to. (jrand 
Lodge in 1895. Is now serving as District Deputy 
Orand Master of Snyder coun ty, 1;. O. O.. 1'.. 

Marriages i, 
Jan. 30, 1-870, in MidtWeburg, by 
Rev. Lazurus, Samuel P. Aurand 
and Elenora Stumpff, both of Beavec 
township. 

Jan. 30, 1870, by Rev. Lazurus, M. 
Wilson Mattern and Elizabeth Stein-, 
triger, both of West l^eaver township. 

Jan. 30, 1870, by Rev. Lazurus, 
Reuben Dreese, of Beaver township, 
to Mrs. Kate Barbin, of Franklin 
tpwnship. 



H. M. PONTIUS. 

Henry Milton Pontius, son of George R. and 
Susan Pontius, was born March 29th, 1872, in 
Washington township, Snyder Co., Pa. His 
early years were spent upon his father's farm 
where he worked and during the winter attended 
school. At the age of sixteen he attended the 
Freeburg Academy and at eighteen his eight 
years' teaching career began. During the sum- 
mer months he completed his course of educa- 
tion and the training received in the academy and 
different normal schools made him a successful 
teacher. Dec. 24th, 1901, he was married to Ella 
Norah Botdorf, daughter of George A. and Mary 
Botdorf, of Freeburg. This union was blessetJ 
with a daughter, Mary Susan; born Sept. 12th, 
1902. April 1st, 1902, he entered the mercantile 
business at Beaver Springs, which occupation he 
is following to this day. His close watch o>ver hi.-^ 




business and his honest dealings i^ith all cus- 
tomers has led many persons t»place much cen- 
iideace in hitjj as a business man_ 



Marriages. 

March 1,, 1883, by Rev. Dietzler,. 
Albright Dreese to Annie C. Green- 
hoe, both of Adamsburg. 

.March \3, 1883, by Rev. Stetler, I).. 
Franklin Spaid and Susan Smith, at: 
Beavertown. 

April 1, 1883, by Rev. Dietzler, M. 
W. Scott Benfer and Jennie A. Wei- 
/jel. both, of Adamsburg. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



LEWIS RASH HAINES. 

L. R. Haines was born Aug. 19, 1830, at Beaver- 
town. His father died Jan. 12, 183Q: the family 
then moved to Adamsburg; in the spring of 1844 
he was hired to Samuel Sager, of near Burn- 



ROBERT SMITH. 

Mr. Smith was born December 1, 1833, on the 
farm now owned by him. He is a son of John D. 
Smith and wife, Annie, the homestead being lo- 
cated one mile west of Troxelville. He commen- 
ced farming for himself in 1850, and continued in 
that occupation until 1881; he then moved to Bea- 
ver Springs. Mr. Smith is married to Melinda 




ham; came home and went to school in the 
spring of 1845; was hired to John Frank until 
1848, then went to learn the saddler trade; in 1851 
went to Clearfield to work at his trade; in the fall 
of that year he cast his first vote for Wm.F. Big- 
ler; came home and went to school until spring 
when he started into business for himrelf and 
worked at the saddlery up to this time, about 
58 years. The only time he was ojt of the shop 
was when he was in the Civil War. He enlisted 
August 24, 1854, and was mustered out whi-n the 
war closed, April 12, 18&5. He then cr.me home 
and resumed his old trade. Mr. Haines was 
married to Louisa Saltzman, November 16, 1854, 
and this union was blessed with two ;ons. Wil- 
liam F. and Lewis J. William was born Sept. 
11, 1857, and was baptized by Rev. Wm. O. Hack- 
man; Lewis was born Feb. 2, 1862, and was bap- 
tized March 10, 1862, by Rev. J. Kempfer, died 
March 12, 1887, aged 25 years, 1 month and ten 
days. The mother of the subject of this sketch 
was Susana Schultz, who died Nov. 7, 188Q, rged 
Q7 years, 9 months and days. His father raised 
a family of fifteen children, six with the first 
wife and nine with the second. All of these are 
dead except Rash, Isaac and Jane. 



Qro--s, daughter of Jacob Gross, deceased; two 
children were born to this union, one daughter. 
Jennie, and one son, Ira. Mr. Smith has been a 
member and officer of the Reformed church for 
many years. 



Marriagfes* 

Aug. 4, 1867, by Rev. Shindel, 
Thomas J. Keller to Elizabeth Specht 
both of Beaver. 

Feb. 25. 1886, by Rev. Shindel, J. 
D. Smith, of Kansas, to Ida Hecken- 
dorn, of Adamsburg. 



Deaths. 

Feb. 13, 1900, Sarah, widow of Reu- 
ben Klose, aged 17) years, 1 month 
and 7 days. 

July 16, IQGO, Ellen B. Weidman, 
aged 46 years, 4 months and 25 days. 

July 10, 18Q2, John D. Hamilton, 
aged 31 years, 10 months. This was 
the first interment in the new cem- 
etery. 

Mar. 9, 1894, Katie Markley, aged 
12 years, 6 months and 36 days. 

Jan. 10, 1895, Joseph Shannon, 
aged 69 years, 11 months and 25 days. 

Jan. 20, 1895, Charles Markley, 
aged 28 years, 4 months and 23 days. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVP:R SPRINGS 



LEWIS RAUCH. 

Mr. Uauch is a Krand-son of Henry Rauch.who 
was a resident of Berks county. Pa. His father, 
Henry Rauch, Jr., was also born and reared in 




worlced on tlie farm for two years, after \\hich 
he learned the carpenter trade under Daniel 
Alter and worked at the trade about fifteen years; 
he then went into the millwriEht business, 
building new mills and remodeling old ones:after 
working at this business fifteen or sixteen years 
he returned to the carpenter trade, which he still 
follows. Mr. Rauch has been a residentof Bea- 
ver Springs for eighteen years. 



WILLIAM H. THOMAS. 

Mr. Thomas was born September IQ, 1876, at 
Newton Hamilton, Pa., and is a son of Abraham 
M. and Margaret B. Thomas. He moved to 
Painterville when quite young, at which place 
he resided until November 4, 1001, when he came 



Berks county. His mother, Rebecca, (nee Sipe). 
was born and raised in Lehigh county. Some- 
time after marriage, about 1833, they moved to 
Union county. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Middlecreek township, now Snyder Co. 
When he was five years old his father bought 
the mill property and farm in Middlecreek and 
moved thereon. Mr. Rauch has always resided 
in or not more than six miles distant from Bea- 
ver Springs with the exception of four years 
when he lived in Juniata county. He became a 
member of the Reformed church fifty-three 
years ago and served as elder for 20 years; is an 
active Sunday school worker and held the offices 
of superintendent and assistant superintendent, 
and has also been a teacher for thirty years. His 
wife, Melinda, was a daughter of George Hoof- 
nagle. liight children were born to this union, 
four boys and four girls, viz : Henry A., William 
R., Lewis H., Jonathan M., Harriet, Mary, Re- 
becca and Sarah. Mr. Rauch and wife are both 
seventy-five years old. He served during the 
Civil War and is an active member of the G.A.R.; 
is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and 
has gone through all the chairs of the 1. O. O. V. 
Lodge of Adanisburg, No. ,S()(), and was a repre- 
sentative to the Grand Lodge; has also served as 
Overseer of the I'T)or. When about seventeen 
years old he learned the milling trade and work- 
ed at it about two years, but was compelled to 
quit on account of his nose bleeding; he then 




to Beaver Springs and accepted the position as 
railroad foreman July 7, 1901, which position he 
still holds. He has also been foreman on work 
train. Mr. Thomas was married to Mary E. 
Maben, of Milroy, and the following children 
have been born: C. Earle and C. Raymond. He 
is a Past Grand of Adamsburg Lodge No. 566, L 
O. O. P. 



Deaths. 

March 6, 1880, Christina, wife of 
Samuel Bachman, aged 60 years, 11 
months and 27 days. 

March 14, 1883, Alvilda, wife of Dr. 
A. M. Smith, aged 32 years, 11 months 
and 14 days. 

Dec. 23, 1886, Henry Smith, aged 
76 years, 1 month and 16 days. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



WILLIAM H. RIEGEL. 

Mr. Riegel was born May 21, 1857, and is a son 
of Peter and Matilda Riegel; was married to 
Mary, daughter of Daniel and Mary Maurer, Dec. 
31, 1876, and to them was born one daughter, 
Elsie, who was married Nov. 26, 1904, to A. Kalt- 
rit€r, of Mt. Pleasant Mills. Mr. Riegel went to 
Kansas, March, 1878, and took up 80 acres of land 
under the Homestead Act, and 80 acres under 
the Timber Act. He came east in May, 1880, 
to Beaver Springs, where he now resides. He 
is an ardent Republican and was nominated 
treasurer of Snyder county, Feb. 15, 1896, and 



JACOB A. WAGNER. 

Mr. Wagner was born February 15, 1874, at 
McClure, Pa., and is a son of Henry and Carolina 
Wagner. He lived at home on the farm until 




elected by over 1,200 majority on Nov. 3, 1896: 
was elected school director in 1894; became a 
member of the I. U. O. F. in 1893. He learned 
the brick laying trade, at which he is actively en- 
gaged at present. Mr. Riegel is a member of the 
Reformed church and has served in various of- 
fices for years and also as Sunday school super- 
intendent. 



Marriages. 

Nov. 18, 1847, by Rev. Shindel, 
Isaac Aurand and Caroline Robinson, 
both of Beaver township. 

Sept. 8, 1864, by Rev. Shindel, Isaac 
1. Manbeck to Lovina Dreese, both of 
Adamsburg. 

Dec. 15, 1864, by Rev. Shindel, 
James F. Keller to Susan Smith, both 
of Beaver twp. 




married and then moved to Beaver Springs, 
where he now resides. Mr. Wagner was mar- 
ried September 28, 1897, to Oertrude F. Dreese, 
daughter of Wilson Dreese. One son. Park D., 
was born to this union July 31, 1905. Mr. Wag- 
ner is a member of the General Council Luth- 
eran church. He is a successful young farmer. 

Deaths. 

Sept. 21, 1888, Daniel Alter, aged 
68 years, 6 months and 21 days. 

Sept. 22, 188Q, Amos E. Mitchell, 
aged 56 years, 10 monthsand IQdays. 

April 16, 1889, Anna, wife of John 
Bolender, aged ^7 years, 10 months 
and 28 days. 

Feb. 5, 18Q0, Jacob Dreese, aged 88 
years, 11 months and 11 days. 

Jan. 19, 1880, at Adamsburg, Rev. 
Jacob Kaempfer, aged 79 years, 5 
months and 26 days. This was the 
first funeral held in the new Luther- 
an church. 

Mar. 12, 1887, Lewis Joseph Haines, 
aged 25 years, 1 month and 10 days. 



CITIZENS OF P>KAVI^:iJ SPRINGS 



D. FRANK 5PAID. 

Mr. Spaid was ^lorn in Beiver township, Sny- 
der county. Pa.. Jan. 17th, 1863. He was the son 
of David \V. Spaid. of MiddleburK. and his wife, 




Sarah. His father was a soldier in the Civil Wai 
and was discharged in 1863 and died in 1864 from 
sickness contracted from over-work and exertion 
while serving his country. His mother after- 
wards was married to Lewis Helfrich, (o whom 
one daughter was born, Jennie, now married to 
A. M. Aurand. Mrs. Helfrich died September 
10, moo, aged 64 years and 12 days. Mr. Speid 
was married in 1883 to Miss Sue M. Smith, of 
near Beavertown, Pa., and started housekeeping 
in Beaver Springs. He was employed in the iron 
ore mines of this place until 1886, when he moved 
to Mifeiinburg and secured employment in Enoch 
Miller's planing mill and was engaged with Mr. 
Miller until the spring of 1880, at which time he 
moved back again to Beaver Springs. Shortly 
after that he was engaged with Cofrode & Evans, 
of Pottsville, engineers and contractors, and was 
sent to Johnstown directly after the flood to help 
build a railroad bridge across the Conemaugh 
river: from there he went to Latrobe. Westmore- 
land Co., and later to Catasauqua, Lehigh Co.. 
where he worked the entire winter. He then en- 
gaged in carpenter work at Beaver Springs and 
afterwards entered the butchering business which 
he carried on for about two years. In Dec. 1898, 
he was employed by the Beaver Springs Cream- 
ery Co.. in which occupation he is still engiged 
as manager. Mr. Spaid was confirmed by Rev. 
W. M. Landis and became a member of the Re- 
formed church at this place and has been a 
deacon continuously fifteen years; was assistant 



superintenden* of the Sunday school two years- 
and has (Kcupied the secretaryship at different 
times, which office he holds at present: is also, 
trustee of the Reformed parron.-.ge at this place 
and one of the vice presidents of the Centennial 
committee; has also been a member of the Fie- 
formed choir for a number of years and is a 
member of the Henry K. Ritter C; mp No. 6.5,. 
Sons of Veterans, of McClure. Mr. Spaid is one 
of the progressive citizens of the town, ever 
reajy to help along any improvement for the 
good of the community. He is the father of eight 
children, as follows: Minnie J.. Charles E., Car- 
rie A.. Edna M., John R. (deceased). Eva M.. 
(irace B. (deceased', and Christine M. 

HURLEY ROMIG. 

Mr. Romig was born Nov. 5, 1873, his parents 
being Ephraim and Ada Romig. He has resid- 
ed at McClure and Selinsgrove and is now tele- 
graph operator and freight and ticket agent at 
Beaver Springs. He has been with the P. R. P. 
Company since 1890; is also agent for the Adams 
Express Company. He has recently been re- 




lieved of telegraphic work on account of the 
increase of business at the office. Mr. Romig 
was married to Tessie Baker and two daughters 
have been born to this union, Marie and Lou. 
Mr. Romig is a member of the St. Peter's Evan- 
gelical Lutheran church of Beaver Springs and 
has taught a class of young men in the Sunday 
school for six years and in addition has been as- 
sistant superintendent several years and served 
as deacon. He was employed with the A. M. 
Aurand Printing House from 1888 to 1890. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS. 



FRANK W. DREESE. 



ARTIE L. MOVER. 



Mr. Dreese is a son of W. H. Dreese and was Mr. Moyer was born in Beaver Springs Jan. 6, 
born in 1870. He was telegraph operator on the 1891, his parents being Aaron and Lizzie Moyer. 
Tyrone division for two years; served six years He attended public schools until thirteen years 

of age, when he went to work on the farm of N. 
P. Hare, one mile east of Middlecreek. Here he 
worked for two summers and in the winter at- 
tended school and did some trapping of animals. 
At the age of fifteen he went to work in the print- 
ing office where he was employed for about six 




as conductor with the Union Traction Company 
of Philadelphia; he resigned that position and 
commenced farming at Beaver Springs, in wtiich 
vocation he has been successful. Mr. Dreese 
was married to Miss Gertie Ulsh, of McClure, 
and one daughter, Pauline E., has been born to 
this union. He is a member of the Evangelical 
Lutheran church and has served as deacon. 



Deaths. 

Dec, 26, 1891, Elizabeth, wife 
William Swenk, aged 70 years 
months and 25 days. 

Dec. 23, 1903, D. Banks Wetzel, 
Wallingford, Pa., aged 53 years, 
terment at this place. 

Nov, 2, 1903, at Grampian, Pa,, 
Mollie, wife of John D, Haines, aged 
29 years and 20 days. Interment at 
this place, 

April 11, 1906, at Bixler, Perry Co,, 
Pa,, Henry Felker, a life-long resi- 
dent of this place, aged 72 years, 6 
months and 26 days, 

Feb, 19, 1893, Calvin Bachman, 
aged 41 years, 1 month and 12 days. 




months. He went fishing one day and contract- 
ed a bad cold which confined him to the house for 
about a year and a half. He is not able to do 
hard work at present. He is a breeder of fancy 
pigeons. 



Deaths. 

May 26, 1891, Dr. James Greenhoe, 
aged 34 years, 7 months and 11 days, 

June 15, 1891, Adam Specht, aged 
n years, 11 months and 11 days, 

Oct, 6, 1891, Mrs, Daniel Alter, 
aged IZ years, 7 months and 19 days, 

June 2, 1892, Samuel H. Stumpff, 
aged 32 years, 8 months and 16 days. 

Mar, 24, 1891, Reuben Klose, aged 
69 years, 6 months and 11 days, 

Feb, 27, 1890, Elizabeth, wife of 
Adam Specht, aged 72 years,9 months 
and 4 days. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



WILLIAM H. EWING. 

Mr. Ewing was born March 19, 1843, in Tyrone 
township. Perry county. Pa. In September, 1861, 
he enlisted in Company B, 47th Regiment, Capt. 




H. D. Woodruffs, colonel. He is a member of 
W. H. Byers' Post No. 612, G. A. R. Was mar- 
ried to ISlmira, daughter of Abner Middleswarth, 
to which union have been born nine children, all 
living. He has always been a staunch Republi- 
can and has held the office of constable three 
years, supervisor for one year, overseer of the 
poor for four years and is serving his second 
year as school director of Spring township. Mr. 
Ewing has lived in Snyder county almost forty 
years. 



Deaths. 

June 22, 1895, Sarah, widow 
Henry Smith, aged 76 years, 
months and 4 days, 

July 14, 1896, Elizabeth, wife 
Reuben F-elker, aged 57 years, 
months and 10 days. 

Aug. 24, 1898, Joel Gearhart, aged 
6,1 years, 5 months and 25 days. 

April 9, 1890, John D. Romig, aged 
83 years, 7 months and 28 days. 

Jan. 21, 1888, Laura, wife of Jacob 
C. Specht, aged 33 years, 11 months 
and 12 days. Interment at Beaver- 
town. 



WILLIAM 5. MILLER. 

Mr. Miller is a son of Jacob D. Miller and his 
wife Sallie Salome (nee Spangler). sister of our 
townsman, Jonathan Spangler, and was born 
June 10, I8.S8, in Limestone township. Linion Co.: 
he was raised on a farm, got a common school 
education, taught seven terms public school; was 
married March 25th, 1880, to Sallie J. Herbster. 
daughter of Hiram Herbster of West Beaver 
township. After marriage he took to farming in 
Snyder and Mifflin counties. After the death of 
Mr. Herbster he bought the homestead farm of 
ths heirs April 1st, 1848. Mr. Miller raised a 
family of three girls: Lizzie S., married to Palm- 
er Dreese, now living in Cambria county; J. 
Lstelle, married to Charles Long, of McClure, 
and Mary EZ., living at home. As the children 




grew up and left home Mr. Miller concluded to 
stop farming in the spring of 1004, and purchased 
a property in Beaver Springs, where he now re- 
sides. He is a member of the Reformed church 
and has served as Sunday school superintendent 
for years. 



Wheat and rye was threshed with 
the flail or tramped out by horses in 
the barn. I rode the horses in the 
barn until 1 was nearly frozen. It 
frequently took all winter to thresh 
out a crop and sometimes the crop 
was not threshed out entirely until 
the next crop was ripe. One man 
threshed rye for a "levy" a day and 
board. By this means he saved his 
boarding at home and earned 75 cents 
per week besides. — Thomas Shipton. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



JESSE B. EWING. 

Mr. Ewing was born April 23, 1868, and is a son 
of William H. and Elmira Ewing. He was rear- 
ed on the farm of his parents. On the 22d day of 
• December, 1891, he was married to Minnie Jane, 




SAMUEL WERNER. 

Mr. Werner was born Feb. 14, St. Valentine's 
Day, 1843, in York county. Pa. His father's name 
was Samuel and his mother was a Miss Miller. 
He lived with his parents until eight years of age 
then among strangers until he was eighteen 
years old. His parents then permitted him to 
start out for himself and he learned the cooper 
trade which he followed until he enlisted in the 
1st Regt. Md. Veteran Cavalry, Co. E, on Feb. 21, 
1864; served for eighteen months; killed two reb- 



daughter of Anis U. Arbogast and wife. His wife 
was born Sept. II, 1875. To this union have been 
born two children, Erman W. U. and Estella 
May. Mr. Ewing and wife are members of the 
United Evangelical church and are active workers 
therein. He resides on the old homestead at 
Manbeck's church, managing the farm; he is also 
a shipper of poultry and veal and sells fertilizers. 
Mr. Ewing has always taken a great interest in 
political affairs, and served one term as constable 
and one term as Republican county committee- 
man. 




About the year 1828 we had a vote 
for or against the free school system. 
There was some discussion among 
the people. One man said: "We 
don't know how to vote. Ner Mid- 
dleswarth is in Harrisburgand don't 
come home to tell us how to vote." 
That day he came home, however, 
and told them how to vote. The re- 
sult was that the Free School System 
carried by four votes in its favor. — 
Thomas Shipton. 



els while on vidette (and says he has been sorry 
ever since;) he doesn't know how many he killed 
while in general engagements; General Sher idan 
was his last general. He came home a mere 
skeleton, weighed only 06 pounds— before his 
weight was 160 pounds. After two years' recruit 
he left York county for Beaver Springs, at which 
place he has been lumbering nearly all the time. 
He belongs to Post 612 G. A. R. and 566 I. O. O. F. 
and has been drum major of the Beaver Springs 
military band for fifteen years. 



Married* 

June 8, 1864, by Rev. Shindel, Hen- 
ry H. Laub to Louisa Shout, both of 
West Beaver. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



REUBEN DREESE. 

Reuben Dreese, the subject of this sketch, 
is a son of Jacob and Catherine Dreese, whose 
maiden name was Smith. He was born In Bea- 
ver township (now Spiing), Union county (now 
Snyder), on the 17th day of October, 1830. He 
resided under the parental roof until he was 
eiRhteen years old, then he served two years' 
apprenticeship under Samuel Kessler learning 
the blacksmith trade. He followed this trade for 
two years after serving his apprenticeship. Then 
in 1852 he united in wedlock with Miss Matilda 
Saltzman. This union was blessed with five 
children as follows: Allen, died in infancj'; Mil- 
ton, who arrived at manhood, died single; Lucy, 
died in infancy: Albright, married to Miss Annie 
Greenhoe. and lives in Beaver Springs; James, 
married to Mrs. Amelte Koch, widow of Henry 
Koch, and lives in F^eaver Springs. In 1869 his 
wife died and in 1870 he married Mrs. Kate Bar- 
bin, whose maiden name was Steininger. This 
union was blessed with one child, namely Harry, 



GEORGE S. LEPLEY. 

Mr. Lepley is a son of Simon and Katherinc 
Lepley and was born Dec. 10, 1857, in (what is 
now) Spring township, Snyder county. Pa.; has 
lived in this township all his life with the excep- 
tion of three years, when he resided in Adams 
township. He has always been engaged in farm- 




who died at the age of 22 years, single. After Mr. 
Dreese married the first time he engaged in 
farming until about the year 1886, when he retir- 
ed. After his retirement he served one term as 
county treasurer and one term as high sheriff of 
Snyder county. He also filled different township 
offices and has been a member of the church 
council of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran church 
of Beaver Springs for a period of nearly forty 
years and still is a member of the said council. 
He has served as trustee of the Adamsburg Cem- 
etery Association since it was organized in 1892 
to the present time. 




ing. Mr. Lepley was married to Ellen S. Reitz 
Dec. 28, 1880. The following children have bless- 
ed this union: Virgie, Ira, Edwin and Effie. He 
is at present holding the office of constable of 
Spring township, which office he has held for 
eight years; served as Republican committeeman 
four years and as school director three years; is 
a member of the Evan. Lutheran church and has 
served as deacon of same six years; had been a 
member of the Knights of Golden Eagle of Bea- 
ver Springs. 



Deaths. 

June 2^, I8Q8, Daniel Pontius, aged 
72 years and 26 days. 

July 9, 1898, William Swenk, aged 
76 years, 1 month and 5 days. 

July 14, 1899, Henry Getz, aged 6H 
years, 4 months and 16 days. 

Oct. 23, 1900, Katie, daughter of 
Isaac Getz, aged 23 years, 1 month 
and 1 1 days. 

June 24, 1893, Philip Manbeck, aged 
50 years, 5 months and 10 days. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 
SAMUEL F. AURAND. 



Mr. Aurand is a son of Isaac Aurand and wife 
Caroline (nee Robinson , and was born January 
3, 1850, in Beaver township. Union county, Pa. 



Bachman and moved to Beaver Springs, in 1885, 
where he still resides and is following: his trade 
as engineer and fireman. On January 30, 1870, 
he was married to Elenora E., daughter of John 
R. Stumpff and wife, Sarah inee Oldt.) This 




His early years were spent on his father's farm; 



union has been blessed with four children, two 
, ,„ , . , .. J J I- t, A sons and two dausthters. viz : Ammon M., mar- 
when 18 years oid he attended I-reeburg Aca- ried to Jennie M. Helfrich; Sadie C, married to 
demy, after which he worked on the farm for Jesse A. Catherman; Effie M., married to John .A. 
his father until 22 years old. He then began Yearns, and Ambrose W., married to Hettie M. 
, ■ i- I.- It i_- u 1. »• J < Hartley. He is at present engineer for the Aur- 
farmmg for himself, which he contmued for and Printing and Publishing House, which po- 
thirteen years, then bought the home of Samuel sition he has held for over six years. 



Whe 1 I was a young man there 
was ni steam power of any kind 
known here. There was no railroad 
at Lewistown, but it was said that 
there was a horse railroad at Phila- 
delphia. There were no telegraphs, 
telephones, sewing machines, baby 
carriages, no wash machines except 
wash rub ers madeof roller, of which 
1 made many myself. There were 
no postage stamps until about 1851 
or 1852. Previous to that time letters 
were conveyed at varying rates ac- 
cording to distance. A letter to Mis- 
souri cost six cents while one near 
home cost five cents C. O. D. Many 
a man was irritated at paying five 
cents for a letter which turned out to 
be nothing but a valentine. Five 



=-E= 



cents represented one-tenth of a day's 
hard work, and was within one cent 
of enough to buy two drinks of 
whiskey. Carpets were a luxury at 
that time and not generally found in 
poor peoples' houses.— Thomas W. 
Shipman. 



In the earlier days the chimney 
was started on the ground and built 
up through the house. Within the 
big chimney was a smaller receptacle 
for the purpose of holding pine knots 
which were lighted in the evening 
to give light for any work that had 
to be done after dark. The women 
would sit before this fire and do their 
spinning. —Andrew Ulsh. 



dTIZENS OF BEAVER SPFJN(;S 



WILLIAM MARKLEY. 

Mr. Markley was born in the house now occu- 
pied b>' him, near town. Nov. 10, 183(). His fath- 
er's name was Philip, and his mother's name was 




M. O. FELKER. 

Mr. l-elker was born .lune 11, KSW), at Dumont- 
ville, Ohio. His father was A. C. Pelker. of 
Williamsport and his mother, Mary C. Ort, of 
Lewistown. Mr. F'elker attended the Lewistown 
Academy and spent several years at L'nion Sem- 
inary, New Berlin. After leaving college he 
went east and entered the whip business: was 
connected with the Wells Whip Co., of Wells- 
ville. Pa. In the year 189) he organized the 
Chicora Whip Company, of which organization 
he was manager until he come to this place and 



Rachel fnee Reager, a daughter of Adam Reager, 
founder of Beaver Springs). Mr. Markley was 
married to Lucy Saltzman Aug. 23. 1860, and sev- 
en children have been born to this union: Reuben, 
married to Minnie Rothermel: Sallie. married to 
John A. Rearick; Charles (deceased!, married to 
Ellen Smith; Daniel, married to Ellen N. Wag- 
ner; one son, died in infancy; James, married to 
Nettie Sellers; Katie, died at the age of thirteen 
years. Mr. Markley has lived his entire life in 
the house where he now resides, a period of 70 
years, and has followed farming all this time; has 
been a member of the 1. O. O. F. and F. & A. M. 
and a member of the General Council Lutheran 
church. He remembers well many of the stir- 
ring events in the first half century of the town's 
history. 



Hon. Ner Middleswarth's Large 
Family. 

Mr. Middleswarth reared a large 
family, viz: John, Moses, Abraham, 
Aaron, Abner, Jacob, Polly, Mereb, 
Martha, HIiza, Sarah and Matilda. 
Matilda is the widow of Peter Riegel, 
and is the only survivor of the fam- 
ily. She resides in Spring township. 




organized the Eidon Handle Co. This company 
is now engaged in making a new style of steel 
handles and whips on which there is a large and 
growing trade. 

When I was in my nineteenth year 
I decided to cut a dash. I bought 
some broad cloth and hired a tailor 
to make me a coat; being the only 
young man that had an article of 
store clothes to wear 1 felt the dig- 
nity of my position. In the country 
it was customary for men and wom- 
en to go barefooted, even in the stub- 
bles in haying and harvest. About 
1842 the first cook stoves— the old 
Hathaway—began to be introduced. 
They worked their way into favor 
very slowly, cooking being done in 
the old chimney corners.— Thomas 
Shipton. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



TOBIAS E. RIETZ. 

Mr. Reitz was born in Lipper Mahanoy town- 
ship, Feb. 29. 1836. he was married to Mollie 
Qarman, to which union eleven children were 




JOHN A. KEARNS. 

Mr. Kearns was born Jan. 12, 1870, and is a son 
of John P. and Henrietta Kearns. He was mar- 
ried to Effie M. Aurand. daughter of S. F. Aurand 
and wife of this place, April Q, 18Q8, and resides 
at Beaver Springs. One son, Roland A., was 
born to this union and died when only six months 
old. Mr. Kearns was employed with the Aurand 
Printing House for several years and later en- 
gaged in the confectionery business. He is now 



born, seven of whom are living, viz : Milton, 
married to Libbie Knepp; Jerome, married to 
Chrissie Fisher; Ellen, married to George S. 
Lepley; Emma, married to Roswel Sechrist; 
Maggie, married to Harrison Stuck; Carrie, mar- 
ried to Ed. S. Manbeck; Martha, married to Am- 
nion Swanger. Mrs. Reitz died and Mr. Reitz 
was married a second time to Sarah Qarman, 
who is at present living with her husband at 
Beaver Springs. Hewas a member of Co.F, 210th 
Regt., Penna. Vols., in the Civil War and served 
his country until the end of the war. He is a 
member of Post No. 612 0. A. R. and also belong- 
ed to Selinsgrove Lodge of Free Masons and 
Richfield Lodge I. O. O. F. No.762 Inow defunct.) 
He is a member of the General Council Luther- 
an chtirch. The subject of this sketch has 
been engaged in the country mercantile business 
for about twelve years and followed farming at 
other times. He is still hearty at the age of 70 
years. 

Deaths. 

Sept. 10, 1900, Sarah, wife of Lewis 
Helfrich, aged 64 years and seven 
months. 

Nov. IQ, IQOl, Isaac Getz, aged 59 
years, 3 months and 4 days. 

May 21, 1905, Enoch Walter, aged 
66 years, 2 months and 2 days. 

Nov. 18, 1905, Paul Benfer, aged 
85 years, 2 months and 14 days. 




an extensive dealer in automobiles, motorcycles, 
bicycles, typewriters, all kinds of musical instru- 
ments, etc. He is a metnber of the Evan. Luth- 
eran church of this place. 

My recollections extend back to 
1830 and beyond. Grain was cut by 
the use of the sickle. About twenty- 
five or thirty men, each with a sickle 
would go into a field of wheat and 
would cut ten or twelve acres a day. 
The boys were needed to carry water 
and whiskey. The whiskey was 
drank from the bottle. Raspberries 
were put into the bottle of whiskey 
and the man who could catch the 
greatest number of berries in his 
mouth was the hero of the occasion. 
But sometimes the hero would be 
compelled to lie on his back while 
the others did the work. The rule 
was to be in the field from sunrise to 
sunset, but some would make it from 
daylight until dark. For this work 
the pay was fifty cents per day and 
drinks. — Thomas Shipton. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



HENRY J. LEPLEY. 

Mr. Lepley was born in what is now Spring 
township, on the 16th day of February, 1854, 
about one and one-half miles northwest of Bea- 
ver Springs on the old homestead owned by his 




Rudy and wife; the latter"s maiden name was 
Obermoyer. He was born Sept. 22. IH52, about 
three miles north of Beaver Springs and spent 
his early days on the farm. In 1870 he entered 
the I'leeburg Academy; clerked for Isaac Beaver, 
of Middleburg, from May, 1871 to 1874; was mar- 
ried to Sybilla E., daughter of Isaac and Maria 
Beaver, on June 25, 1874, and this union has 
been blessed with four children, two boys and 
two girls, viz : Estella M., teacher: Spencer E., 
electrician, resides at Berwick: Myra P., stenog- 
rapher and t\pewriter. emplo.sed by the P. & R. 
Co., at Milton, and Ueide B., living at home. Mr. 
Romig is in the stove and tinware business exten- 
sively. He was assessor two terms before Spring 
township was formed; served as superintendent 
of the Lutheran Sunday school for 21 years, and 
leader of the choir for 25 years: in 1Q05 he re- 
quested a vacation as leader, which was 
granted; served two terms as deacon and 28 
years as secretary of council and congregation; 
in 1887 was elected secretary of the Sn>der coun- 
ty S. S. Association, to which office he has been 
elected yearly; became a member of the I.O.O.F. 
in 1892, and was instrumental in the institution 
of the Lodge at this place; was admitted to Grand 
Lodge at Altoona in 1894; held the office of D. D 
O. M. for four successive terms; is a member of 
the Board of Directors of the Orphans' Home of 
Central Pennsylvania since it was organized; al.' o 
assistant secretary and a member of committee of 



father, Simon Lepley, where he was raised to the 
age of nineteen years when his father died; he 
then went out working hireling for six years, 
one year of which he spent on the farm of Isaac 
Aigler in Ohio. In 1879 he was married to Lucy 
K., daughter of Daniel Snook, after which he 
bought the farm of Alexander Hommel, adjoin- 
ing the old homestead where he began to farm: 
his mother, Catherine Lepley (nee Beaver), re- 
siding with him part of the time until 1902. when 
she died at the age of 87 years. He later bought 
the farm where he was raised from Robert Mc- 
Clellan which he farms at the present time. Dur- 
ing this time the union was blessed with three 
children, two sons and one daughter, namely, 
Annie .L, married in 1904 to Frank A. Benfer, son 
of John D. Benf.er, of Beaver Springs, at which 
place they reside at the present time; Charles I-., 
married in 1906 to Mabel Aumiller, daughter of 
Geo. Aumiller, of Spring township, and Erman 
E., ten years old, staying with his parents. Mr. 
Lepley is a stalwart Republican, has been assess - 
or for a number of years which office he fills at 
the present time. He is also a member of the 
I.O.O.F. of this place and a member of the Evan. 
Lutheran church, where he hasservedas deacon. 




HOWARD 1. ROMIG. 

Mr. Romig is a son of John D. and Elizabeth 
Romig. His mother was a daughter of Philip 



property; was a delegate to the International S.S. 
Convention, which met at Toronto, Can., June. 
1905. His grandfather was Solomon Romig, who 
was married to Mary Tr.v, and his great-grand- 
father was .loseph Romig. formerly of Lancaster 
county. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRIN(;8 



JAMES D. DREE5E. 

Mr. Dreese was born in Adamsburg Feb. 15, 
ISiO, his father being Reuben Dreese and mother, 
Matilda Saltzman. He was married Dec. 20, 1881. 
to Laura E. Stroup, which union was blessed 
with two daughters, Mary and Carrie. His wife 
died and he was married the second time to Em- 
ma E. Stroup, who also departed for the spirit 
world. On Dec. 6, 1899, Mr. Dreese united with 
Mrs. Amelia E. Koch, with whom he resides, to- 
g.'ther with his younger daughter Carrie. His 
daughter Mary is married to William Gilbert, a 
passenger brakeman and resides at Sunbury. 




Mr. Dreese followed farming for twenty-two 
years. He is a Past Grand member of the Odd 
Fellows Lodge and a member of the Evan. Luth- 
eran church in which he has served as deacon. 



The family would also slice and 
dry a great amount of apples. They 
sometimes had as high as a hundred 
bushels of "snits" on the garret. 
These they could sell at fifteen cents 
a pound.— Abram Middleswarth. 



The first settlers occupied the poor 
lands because the better grade of 
land would require more work to 
get it under cultivation. Lumber 
and wood had no value. Logs were 
piled up in heapsand burned.— Thom- 
as Shipton. 



PETER F. RIGEL. 

Mr. Rigel is a son of Peter and Matilda (nee 
Middleswarth) Rigel, and was born in West Bea- 
ver township, Snyder Co, Pa., Oct. 20th, 1859; 




was reared on a farm, and married Dec. lO , 1883, 
to Lizzie E., daughter of Henry and Matilda (nee 
Helfrichi Hajsinger and has seven children: 
Charles F., Annie M., Carrie M., Roy A., Jay A., 
Wilh'am McKinley and Norman H. Mr. Rigel 
followed farming up to March, 1890, when he 
went into the mercantile business and in Febru- 
ary, 1891, was elected general agent for the Bea- 
vertown Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which 
position he .«till holds. In 1899 he was a candidate 
for Asso;iate Judge at the Republican primary; 
on the 13th of May he received the nomination 
and in November of the same year was elected. 
He was nominated and elected for the second 
term in the year 1904, which office he still holds. 
He is a member of the P. O. S. of A. and the 
1. O. O. F., in which order he holds the office of 
Vice Grand. 



In those days the neighbors would 
gather together at the house where 
the deceased lay and spend the night 
in singing, etc. Before the funeral 
used to leave the house some one 
would pass bread and whiskey 
around among the guests and a gen- 
eral invitation was extended to re- 
turn and partake of a big feast. — 
Sophia Arbogast. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



HON. A. M. SMITH, M. D. 



though his father's educational privileges had 
been hmited, or perhaps for that very reason, he 
A. M. Smith, M. D., of Beaver Springs, Snyder determined to give his children the best advan- 
county, who has been in successful practice for tage possible, and in order to encourage the 
more than thirt\-fivc years, might well be con- teachers in this locality' he boarded them at his 
tent with the professional honors he has won, yet home without charge. When but twelve years 
he has an egually prominent place in other lines old the Doctor entered Union Seminary at New 




of effort, being a leading capitalist, business man 
and politician of his locality. He has an enviable 
record as a soldier also, having entered the Union 
army as a boy of seventeen and served until the 
close of the war. [)r. Smith was born Peb. 25, 
1816. the eldest son of John S. Smith and his wife 
Martha Middleswarth, daughter of Hon.Ner Mid- 
dleswarth, one of Snyder county's most distin- 
guished citizens. The Doctor was reared upon 
a farm and began his education at liiegel's school 
house, .John Doon being his first teacher. Al- 



Berlin, Pa., and before he was seventeen he took 
charge of a school at Port Ann, Pa. In Pebru- 
ary, lXt)4, he interrupted his studies to enlist in 
Company I, 40th P. V. I. and he saw some severe 
fighting during his term of service. His first 
battle was the engagement in the Wilderness, 
and .July of 1864 was spent in the Shenandoah 
Valley. The regiment then went to Petersburg, 
and after taking part in the operations there, 
went to Richmond and was present at Lee's sur- 
render. The Doctor wa.s wounded on April 1, 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



1865, in a charge, and in a number of battles he 
showed unusual bravery, for which he was pro- 
moted in the spring of 1865 to the rank of corpor- 
al. At the close of the war he returned home 
and resumed his studies in a school at Selins- 
grove, known as the Missionary Institute, now 
Susquehanna University, where he spent two 
years and graduated in 1868. That year he began 
the study of medicine with Dr. I. B. Conrad, of 
Beavertown, and in the fall of the same year he 
entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 
from which he graduated in 1870. Since that 
time he has been in active practice in Beaver 
Springs, meeting with marked success from the 
start. During twenty-five years of this time he 
has been a physician for the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road Company and he takes a high place in the 
various professional organizations, being a 
member of the American Medical Association, a 
permanent member of the State MedicalSociety, 
and a member of the Snyder Co. Medical Society 
His sound judgment in business affairs is widely 
recognized and he is a director in the Beavertown 
Mutual l-ire Insurance Company and has been 
vice president for many years. He owns a one- 
half interest in a hotel and business block in 
Adamsburg. He also operates some iron ore de- 
posits near Adamsburg, furnishing employment 
to a number of men. A few years ago he built 
the finest brick residence in Adamsburg, and his 
real estate holdings include some excellent farm 
lands, besides an interest in a tract of pine land 
in Florida. The Doctor was married to Miss Al- 
wilda Stetler, of Beavertown, a daughter of Geo. 
Stetler, and they had one son, Charles Q., who 
in 18Q7, graduated from the Jefferson Medical 
College of Philadelphia and is now enjoying an 
extensive and lucrative practice at the home of 



his birth. On March 14, 1882, Mrs. Smith passed 
to the unseen life, and the Doctor has since mar- 
ried Miss Carrie Specht, of Beaver Springs, the 
daughter of J. W. Specht. Dr. Smith and his 
wife are prominent in social life and both are act- 
ive members of the Lutheran church. Frater- 
nally, the Doctor is a member of the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, Knights of the 
Golden Eagle, the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, the Grand Army of the Republic, of 
which he is a charter member and for seven 
years served as Commander; and the Masonic 
Order— the Blue Lodge at Middleburg, the Com- 
mandery at Lewistown and the Scottish Rite at 
Harrisburg. Jovial, liberal and public-spirited. 
Dr. Smith has a host of friends, including the 
leading citizens of his locality. His influence is 
solicited in aid of every movement in his com- 
munity and he is especially active in politics. In 
January^ 't8i3S,i.he. was nominated in his county 
for the State LegiStatlSre, defeating W. W. Wit- 
tinmyer, having a majority of 447, and out of 235 
votes cast in his township he received 223 of 
same. In IQOO he was re-elected to the State 
Legislature from Snyder county. He has served 
as a member of the State Soldiers' Orphans' 
Home Commission for four years, and is now 
serving his fourth consecutive term as State 
Medical Director of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, Department of Pennsylvania, an honor 
that shows the esteem in which the Doctor is 
held by his comrades throughout Pennsylvania. 
Dr. Smith has been pension examiner for Snyder 
county. It was mostly through his efforts that 
in October, 18Q7, the board was appointed, for 
which he has the thanks of the old veterans of 
the county. 




Dr. A. M. Smith's Grove- Where the Centennial Celebration Took Place September 6, 7, and 8, 1906. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



JAMES H. LONG. 

Mr. IwOng was born one mile northwest of 
Adamjburg, now Beaver Springs, Jan. 18, 1846. 
When 22 years of age he engaged with B. L. 




Raudenhujh, as clerk in his store. In 1869 he 
resigned and went to Troxelville to clerk for Jos- 
eph S. Ulsh and in 1870 he went to Penns Creek 
to clerk for Jacob Aurand. In 1872 J. W. Specht 
bought Aurand's stock and Mr. Long then clerk- 
ed for Mr. Specht about one year. In 1873 he 
was married to Martha H. Sanders, a daughter 
of H. K. Sanders. This union was blessed with 
four children, two sons and two daughters: An- 
nie May, who died when two years old; Warren 
E., died when twenty-three years old: Charles 
C, now living at McClure, married to J. I-stella 
Miller, a daughter of W. S. Miller, of Beaver 
Springs; which union is blessed with one daugh- 
ter, Miriam May: Katie Tlorence, now li/ing at 
Lewistown, married to Lester A. Dreese, a son 
of Isaac Dreese, of Lewistown. On the last day 
of January, 1898, Mr. Long entered the mercan- 
tile business at Crossgrove with H. F. Long, from 
Penns Creek, as partner. After doing business 
for two years they dissolved partnership and the 
subject of this sketch then carried on the busi- 
ness until the 2M of September, 1904. About 
noon on that day the dwelling house caught fire 
and destroyed everything he had with the excep- 
tion of a few articles. He was postmaster while 
at Crossgrove. Mr. Long belongs to the great 
brotherhood, the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, having joined the order in 1868, and is 
a Past Grand. He is a member of the Lutheran 
church and resides at Beaver Springs. 



7, 



Died. 

IQOl. Polly, 



JAMES W. SPECHT. 

Mr. Specht is a son of Adam and Elizabeth 
Specht and uas born Aug. 28, 1844. He was rais- 
ed at and around our village, working at home 
and attending our common schools up to the fall 
of 18').'5, when he taught school that winter and in 
the spring of 1864 went to Springfield, Ills., en- 
listed in the Second Illinois Cavalry and went to 
the front, where he served until Nov. 27, 1865, 
\\ here he was mustered out of service at San 
Antonio, Texas. He came back to Springfield, 
Ills., was paid and got his discharge Jan. 6, 1866, 
arrived home Jan. 9th and started to clerk for 
Henry Houser: was married June 21, 1868, to Miss 
Elvina Bobb. daughter of Reuben Bobb and wife, 
of Beavertown, to which union was born two 
daughters, Carrie E. and Nettie C. Carrie is 
married to Dr. A. M. Smith and Nettie to A. H. 
Siegfried. Mr. Specht continued to clerk for Mr. 
Houser up to 187.3, when he went to Centreville 
that fall and entered the mercantile business; was 
there until the fall of 1878; then came back to 
Adamsburg and started in business here, in 
which he continued until 1897. In that year he 




was appointed assistant postmaster by A. M. 
Aurand, postmaster, and served as such until 
April 3, 1906, when he received the appointment 
of postmaster, Mr. Aurand resigning the position 
on account of other pressing business, and he 
now holds that position. 



March 
John I). Romig, aged 
months and 18 days. 



widow of 
84 years, 4 



Died. 

August 1, 190,3, Charles, son of 
Spencer and Nettie Romig, aged 2 
years, 9 months and 29 days. 



CITIZENS OF IJILVVER SPRINGS 



WILSON DREE5E. until the fall of 1888, when he moved to Beaver 

Mr. Dreese was born April 4. IS47, his parents Springs for retirement. He joined the Reformed 

being Jacob and Catherine (nee Hoffman Dreese. '^'i"'""^^! at Middleburg, Pa., in 18.52 and is still an 

He learned blacksmithing while a boy and has active member. He was an officer of said church, 

either deacon or elder, for a period of 35 years. 
He served as superintendent and teacher in the 
Sunday school for quite a number of years. In 
township offices he served as school director and 
overseer of the poor for a number of years. He 





followed this trade all his life time. For twenty- 
one years he carried on the business at Troxel- 
ville and for the last fifteen years at Beaver 
Springs. On April 24, 1870, he was married to 
Jutie A. Ocker, daughter of Jonathan Ocker, and '« a member of Wm. H. Byers' Post, G. A. R. 
this union was blessed with one daughter. Ger- No. 612. This family was blessed with five chil- 
trude F., who was married to Jacob A. Wagner ^ren, 2 sons and 3 daughters, namely : Charles 
on Sept. 28. 18Q7. and one son, Park D., has been M., deceased; James F., deceased: Jennie E., 
born to them. Annie C, married to Charles C. Gross; Mollie 
»-»~^ R., deceased, married to John D. Haines. 

GEORGE BILGER. ^"^'" 

Mr. Bilger is a son of Isaac Bilger and his wife 
Elizabeth, daughter of George Bechtol, and was 
born March 21, 1833, at Middleburg, Union coun- 
ty. Pa., where he was reared. In the spring of 
1854 he went to Ohio; in the fall of the same year 
he returned and made his home at Beaver 
Springs, Pa., and worked at the wagon making 
trade. He was married to Miss Charlotte Hocn- 
mel. August 7, 185(), and moved to Beavertown 
and worked at the same trade until 1862. He 
was then called into the service of his country 
for nine months and served full time; came 
home in 1863, and in 1864 he enlisted for another 
year and was wounded at the battle at Hatcher's 
Run. He was brought to the Emory hojpital, 
Washington, D. C, where he spent five months 
under treatment. He was then discharged on 
disability a few days before Lee"s surrender. In 
the spring of 1868 he moved on the farm ^.i mile 
north of Beaver Springs and followed farming 



David Brown conducted a tailor 
shop here for nearly 20 years and 
then moved to Lebanon, Pa., where 
he died several years ago. 

Robert R. Long conducted a foun- 
dry here on the premises now owned 
by William B. Woodling. He did a 
good business; afterwards sold out 
and moved to Gettysburg, Pa., where 
he operated successfully a steam 
laundry for quite a number of years. 
Later his son Murray took charge of 
the plant there and Mr. Long has re- 
cently erected a fine large plant at 
Lewistown, Pa., where he is meet- 
ing with much success. 



(ITIZKNS OF I'.K.W'EU SPPJXOS 
JAME5 F. RAUDENBUSH. 



Mr. Raiulcnlnish was born July 8th, 1857, in 
Patterson, Pa.; his father, IJenjamin L. Paiideii- 
bush, was born Dec. 2, 1829, in Krow nslniri; tow n- 



I'riest; F^lorence A., Benj. L. and James F., at 
home. Mr. Raudenbush is a member of Masonic 
l-od^e No. 145 of Buena Vista, Va., havinK spent 
twenty-two years in the state of Virginia in the 
manufacture of leather. Having made a fortune 




ship, Schuylkill county. Pa., and his mother 
Maria M. Madcnford, was born Aug. 12th, 183(), in 
the same township. They were married July 
27th, 18.54. The subject of this sketch was mar- 
ried to Illiza J. Mohney, July lOth, 1876, and six 
children have blessed the union, viz: Joseph 
Clayton (died in infancy); Mary M., married to 
J. F. Youngman; [Jzzie D., married to R. A. De- 



there, he returned to his old home in Pennsyf- 
vania on Oct. 15th, 1905, and lives a retired life 
here. His father was the Hon. Benj. L. Rauden- 
bush, and was a prominent citizen of the town a 
third of a century ago, as a merchant, postmast- 
er, liotel keeper and owner of a tannery, etc. He 
also belonged to the Masonic and Odd I^ellows' 
Orders. 



:E3- 



A« ^:i «,:ii ,w«^ ^,>^,o+^^ ^„„w present dwelling house, in a stone 

An oil mill was operated many building, where linseed oil was made 

years ago on what is now W. H. from flax seed. It was run by water 

Reigel's farm, a few rods west of the power. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



CHARLES H. WAGNER. 

Mr. Wagner was born at Beavertown Dec. 23. 
1866, and was married to MoUie E. Sellers, June 
24, 1888, to which union was born three children: 





DR. CHARLES G. SMITH. 

Dr. Smith was born January 13, 187.'S, his par- 
ents being Dr. A. M. Smith and wife, Alvilda G., 
(nee Stetler), and has resided in Beaver Springs 
all his life, having been engaged in the practice 
of medicine here for over nine years. The doc- 
tor is very popular and enjoys an extensive and 
lucrative practice. He attended Gettysburg Col- 
lege for three years, 1891-94, and graduated from 
the Jeffer5on Medical College, Philadelphia, May 



Raymond R., Irma G. and Carrie L. The family 
are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Wag- 
ner is a 5on of Henry and Caroline Wagner and 
is one of eight children. His wife is a daughter 
of Samuel Sellers. He is a successful farmer of 
the community. 




14, 1897; passed the State EoardJune 23, 1897. Dr. 
Smith is a member of the Snyder County Med- 
ical Socie1y;the Medical Society of Pennsylvania; 
Free Masons; Sons of Veterans, and S. A. E. 
Fraternity. He is unmarried. 



A pearl button factory was'in oper- 
ation a short distance north of where 
Sxmuel Sellers' house now stands. 
It was run by John Hartley, father 
of William H. Hartley, of McClure. 



O. C. BOWERSOX, 

Telegraph operator for P. R. R. Co., 
Springs, Pa. 



Isaac Keller conducted a rratch 
factory on the farm of W. H. Riegel. 
It was located directly opposite Mr. 
Riegel's present farm house. Sul- 
phur matches were made there, and 
were peddled out by a man named 
Reese, with a small hand wagon. 
Later, this factory was conducted by 
Levi Barger, and Keller operated a 
at Beaver factory of the same kind in the house 
now owned by John A. Haines. 



cri'IZKXS OF P.K.W'KI! SPHIXCS 



REV. JACOB KEMPFER AND SON, 
J. O. KEMPFER. 

Rev. Jacob Kempfer was born in Shenandoah 
county, Va., in the year 1800. His father came 
from tlie district of Hanover, in Citrmanx . diirinK 




REV. JACOB KE.WPIER (DECEASED.) 

the Revolutionary War. He prepared himself 
for the ministry at the Theological Seminary at 
Gettysburg and was ordained in 1832. He served 
congregations in Rowan county, N. C; York 
county. Pa.; Cumberland county. Pa.; Carroi 
county, Md.; and again in York county. Pa. In 
the fall of 1860 he took charge of the Lutheran 
congregations in Snyder county, at Beaver 
Springs. Black Oak Ridge, Samuel's and Stroup's 
churches. The last is in Mifflin county. Since 
then some of his family have been more or less 
connected with the history of Beaver Springs. 
Two of his sons, Samuel O. and Charles A., mar- 
ried Snyder county women. His son, J. O., 
married in York county, but is more closely con- 
nected with the place than the other two. He has 
been a constant resident of the vicinity of Beaver 
Springs since 18()7, and was not absent from the 
place more than two years since the spring of 
1X61, when he saw it for the first time. Their 
family has grown up among the younger inhab- 
itants of Beaver Springs, but only three reside 
here at present. 

Rev. Jacob Kempfer died in .lanuar>-, 187<), and 
is buried in the old cemetery. David H. Kemp- 
fer, his youngest son, lies close to him, having 
died of fever contracted in the War of the Rebel- 
lion. He was one of the volunteers of Beaver 
Springs. 




J. (). KEjUPIER. 



The Town Schools in 1906. 

For 1*.K)() tlic school directors of 
Spring township arc Henry H. Laub, 
Sr., Harrison Schradcr, \\'i]Ham H. 
Ewing. William A.T. Fish, Charles 
E. Keller and William I. ^^'(X^dling. 

The teaclun-s of the town schools 
for the term of ll)0()-'()7 are: Ad- 
vanced, Elmer E. \\'etzel (of Bea- 
vertown); Intermediate, James F. 
Keller; Primary, Estelle M. Romig. 

The avi'rage attendance of the 
scliools during January, li)0(i, was: 

Advanced, males 17; females 29; 
total 4;*). 

Intermediate, males 14; females 

i(>; total ;'.;5. 

Primary, males 1'2; females IS; 
total 30. " 

We are proud to say that our town 
schools compare favorably with the 
schools of our sister towns and neigh- 
boring counties. ]\Iany of our young 
men who till responsible positions 
and professions t(»(lay have laid the 
foundation of their education in the 
Public Schoolsof Peaver Springs. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 
FREDERICK RAUGHT, JR. HENRY C. LEPLEY. 



Mr. Raught is a son of Frederick Raught, Sr., Mr. Lepley was born Dec. 25, IS6Q, Christmas 
and his wife, Elizabeth, and was born April 2. ^^y-. his parents beinR- Michael and Elizabeth 
1845, on a farm two miles west of town. He is of 
German descent, his father having immigrated 



Lepley. He resides on his farm two and one- 




to this country from Germany. Mr. Raught 
learned the trade of a blacksmith, afterwards 
clerked in the general store of B. L. Raudenbush. 
He was married to Sallie Pontius, a daughter of 
Daniel Pontius, June 6, 186Q. and then followed 
farming for an occupation. There were born to 
this union six daughters. He is a member of St. 
Peter's Evan. Lutheran church, of which he has 
served as deacon. He al5o served one term as 
supervisor of Spring township. He now resides 
in town and is a respected and enterprising 
citizen. 

— < « » 

FRED W. GUNDRUM. 

Mr. Qundrum was born July 20, 1868, and is a 
son of Samuel and Amelia Qundrum. He was 
married to Tudie Goss, daughter of John O. and 
Amanda Goss, on the 24th of January, I8Q2. and 
to this union five children were born: Charles, 
John, Paul, Mabel and George. George died in 
infancy. Mr. Gundrum was engaged in farming 
at Bannerville for eleven years and then came 
back to his former home, where he went into the 
lumber business with J. O.Klingler: then sold his 
interest and bought the coai yard and grain ware- 
house from A. Kreeger, where he is now engaged 
in the coal, feed and grain business. 



alf miles north of Bea\er Springs; his occupa- 
tion having been farming all his life. He was 
married to Mary Susanna Baumgardner Oct. 6, 

1Q02. 



Died. 

Feb. 19, 18Q1, Catherine, wife of 
Paul H. Knepp, aged 43 years, 7 
months and 9 days. 




FRCI) W. CUINDRUM. 



(ITJZKXS OF BE AVER SPRINGS 



was married to Sarali BilKer, Aug. 3, 18S_'. This 
union was blessed with six children: Cuba I;., 



CHARLES H. GETZ. FRANK P. DECKER. 

Mr. Getz was born March 25, 1859, in Beaver Mr. Decker was born at Middleburg, Sept. 29, 
Springs, formerly Adamsburg, and is a son of ^^^^- his parents were Wm. S. and Sarah Decker, 
David and his wife. Mary Gefz, (nee Lepley): and when one year old his parents bought the 

farm where Jesse B. Ewing now resides, where 
they lived nine years and then moved to Mc- 
Clure long before McClure was founded. He 
worked on the farm and at the age of twenty-one 
years was married to Margaret Krebs, to which 
union were born five children: Curtin M., Beu- 
lah H., Mary !;.. Cotta R., Rhoda C. After start- 
ing in life for himself he moved to his father's 
farm one-half mile west of the old homestead 
farm and farmed there for fifteen years. In 1893 
he bought a stave mill and run that in connection 
with farming for one year, then went into the 
mercantile business at McClure, which firm was 




Margaret R., SyK'ia \'., John D., Loflmma P., 
and Charles W. Mr. (ietz is a member of the 
Evan. Lutheran church of Beaver Springs and 
was a charter member of Adamsburg Lodge No. 
566 1.(). O. r. He has been engaged as one of 
the special police officers for Centennial week, 
1906, and appears here in his uniform. 

Pharus Romig conducted a watch 
repairing shop here for about 30 
years. 




named Herbster & Decker, for two years; 
after that followed the nail keg stave business 
under the name of Decker & Ulsh, operated at 
Hublersburg. Centre county. Pa., for one >ear, 
when he sold the farm at McClure and bought the 
Isaac Smith farm at Beaver Springs, which he 
now owns. He came to Beaver Springs in 1898, 
having farmed this farm for five years and then 
followed the nail keg stave business, in which he 
is now engaged. Mr. Decker is a member of the 
Iivan. Lutheran church and is one of the road 
supervisors of Spring township. 



Among the shoemakers of the town 
were David Getz, Sr., Isaac Getz, 
John Getz, Edward Coleman, Eph 
Dreese, Samuel J. Gundrum, Eph 
Romig, H. (). Smith, Jacob Haffley. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



PAUL H. KNEPP. 

Mr. Knepp is a great Erandson of Philip Knepp, 
and on his mother's side a great grandson of 
Joseph Romig: a grandson of Henry Knepp. Sr., 
and his wife Eve (nee Spiglemyer), who were of 
German descent, and on his mother's side a 
grandson of Henry Romig and his wife Eliza- 
beth (nee Ritter) and a son of Henry Knepp, Jr.. 
and his wife Catherine (nee Romig). Henry 
Knepp. Sr., moved from Berks county. Pa., to 
Musser's Valley on the farm now owned by 
Philip J. Ocker, known as the Good farm about 
one hundred years ago. Then he took up a tract 
of land one and one-half miles north of Middle- 
creek P. O., eriginally three hundred and fifty 
acres, erected a log house one and one-half 




stories high, which in after years was made a 
two-story log house. He was born 1759 and died 
1846, and both are buried in the St. John's ceme- 
tery. Black Oak Ridge. Henry Romig owned 
and occupied a farm one mile east of Fisher's 
mill, which came in the possession of his son, 
Jonathan Romig, and is now owned and occupied 
by his grandson, Alex. A. Romig. He and his 
wife died in old age and are both buried in the 
St. John's cemetery. Part of the farm came in 
possession of Henry Knepp, Jr., by purchase, in 
the year 1837, and in 1852 he built a large frame 
house which is in good condition at the present 
day. He was born in the year 1799, and died the 
7th day of November, 1875. His wife was born 
1798 and died Sept. 18, 1880, and were burled in 
the St. Paul's cemetery at the Ridge. In 
the year 1872 the homestead came in possession 
of the subject of this sketch by purchase and was 
in his possession for a period of thirty years. He 



was born Sept. 17, 1842, and raised on the old 
homestead and his occupation was farming. The 
homestead was in the possession of the Knepp 
family about one hundred years and is now own- 
ed by James W. Klingler. The subject of this 
sketch attended subscription school when about 
six years old in an old log house formerly occu- 
pied as a dwelling, situated a short distance east 
of Moyer's (now Qreenhoe's) school house, and 
the following year Moyer's school house was 
erected; attended public school there; also attend- 
ed school at the Missionary Institute at Selins- 
grove, now known as Susquehanna University, 
for two terms; taught school one term in the years 
1866-67. He was married to Miss Kate E. Smith, 
daughter of Jacob and Sophia (nee Braucher) 
Smith, on the second day of May, 1867. His wife 
was born July 10, 1846, and there were born unto 
them one son and two daughters: Carrie E., 
born Nov. 16. 1869. died May 21, 1872; Homer, 
born Aug. 22, 1875, died March 26, 1876, and are 
buried in St. Paul's cemetery at the Ridge. The 
mother followed the children to the spirit world 
on the 19th day of February, 1891, and is buried 
at the above named place. Gertie S., who was 
born Jan. 12, 1878, is married to C. K. Croft and 
resides at Berwick. The subject of this sketch is 
a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran church in 
West Beaver township. He became a resident 
of this town in the year 1883, built a house in the 
same year and still occupies the same. He held 
the office of assessor for a period of ten success- 
ive years and was appointed census enumerator 
in the year 1900. He was a soldier of the late 
Civil War, enlisted Aug. 6, 1862, in Co. F, I3Ist 
Regt. P. v., commanded by Capt. Ryan, who was 
killed at the battle of Fredricksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, 
and in this service was engaged in three bloody 
battles: Antietam, Fredricksburg and Chancel- 
lorsville and was discharged the 22nd day of May, 
1863, by reason of expiration of term of service; 
he was first sergeant of Capt. David Mitchell's 
company. Independent Guards of Pennsylvania 
Militia, enrolled on the June 29th, 1863, to serve 
three months and was discharged Sept. 2, 1863, 
by order of Gov. Curtin. He was enrolled as a 
private in Capt. L. C. Edmonds' company on the 
27th day of August, 1864, but was elected by the 
members of the company as second lieutenant. 
The election was held in the court house at Mid- 
dleburg, Aug. 29. He therefore had to ba dis- 
charged as a private by reason of promotion to 
second lieutenant of Co. I, 184th Regt. P. V., and 
was mustered into the service as second lieuten- 
ant the 12th day of September, 18b4, and was 
wounded in the face while on duty on the picket 
line in front of Petersburg on the 4th day of Oct- 
ober, 1864, and on the 12th day of January he was 
promoted to first lieutenant by reason of the 
wounding and discharge of the first lieutenant, 
Michael Smith, in this service; took part in the 
battle of Boyton Road, Hatcher's Run and in the 
storming of the Rebel works in front of Peters- 
burg and on to the surrender of Gen. Robert E. 
Lee at Appomatox. He is a member of Wm. H. 
Byers' Post G. A. R. and held the office of com- 
mander for two years, and officer of the day for 
two terms, which office he holds at the present 
time. 



(ITIZKXS OF BEAVKH 8PRTNGS 



J. O. WAGNER, M. D. 

"All lives that are in the best sense worth the 
livinK," says a well known writer, "are so by be- 
inK true to their own popularity. There is un- 
doubtedly a certain line of life, a certain definite, 
however dimly defined, path predestined for 
each, and that achievement which we are accus- 
tomed to call success is simply the result of the 
vision that sees, and the energy that follows this 
hidden but divine leading." In the success at- 
tending this well known physician and surgeon, 
who for years has been a leading practitioner at 
Beaver Springs, Snyder county, we see an illus- 
tration of this truth. So strong was his desire to 
follow the direction of his special gifts that 
he turned from the offer of a certain compet- 




ence of a farmer, and making his own way 
through college entered his chosen profession. 
Dr. Wagner was born June 0th, 1855, in Jackson 
township, Snyder county, near Kratzerville, 
where his father, Y. H. Wagner, still resides, he 
being the oldest justice of the peace in Snyder 
county, having held his commission since 1862 
up to the present time. He held the office of 
school director for eleven years and was active 
in military affairs; before the warhe havingserv- 
ed as first lieutenant after serving three years as 
a private in a company of State militia. The Doc- 
tor's mother, whose maiden name was Susanna 
Helm, was a daughter of that well known pion- 
eer, Capt. John Hehn. The Doctor attended 
school in Kratzerville, and although his opportun- 
ities were inferior to those of the present day, he 
made such good use of them that before he was 
sixteen he was prepared to teach, his first school 
being in the Brouse school house in his native 
township. He was always devoted to his studies 
and more than once his close application to his 
books caused illness. After teaching for a short 
time he pursued his studies in Prof. Noetling's 



select school at Selinsgrove and thus prepared 
for better work as a teacher. He then secured a 
school at Kratzerville and while there began to 
read medicine with Dr. P. Herman, as from 
childhood he had a desire to enter the medical 
profession. His father did not sympathize with 
this ambition, as he desired our subject, being the 
only son, to take the farm, and consequently had 
to make his own living while carrying out his 
plan; hence, before entering medical college he 
taught several terms near Middlecreek, in West 
Beaver township, as well as in FSvendale, in an 
independent school district. In the fall of 1877 he 
entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons 
at Baltimore, Md., and after one term was obliged 
to resume the v\ ork of teaching in order to re- 
plenish his pocketbook. By close economy he 
managed to save enough in one year of teaching 
to take him through another term at college and 
on March 3d, 1880, he received his degree of M.D., 
having completed a full course. It happened 
that his preceptor was ill with pneumonia at the 
time, and during March, April and May, 1880, our 
subject took charge of his practice at Kratzer- 
ville. On Aug. 2d, 1880, he located at Bea\er 
Springs, and being an entire stranger, failure 
was freely predicted for him, but he succeeded 
from the start, notwithstanding the fact that the 
most difficult cases in the locality were given him, 
including chronic ailments, pronounced hopeless 
by others. Success in these brought him new 
patients, and at the present time he enjoys an 
extensive and lucrative practice, which is solely 
due to his own skill and ability. He now makes 
a specialty of diseases of women and chronic ail- 
ments in which he is ver,\' successful. He allows 
nothing to take his attention from his work, and 
in addition to his practice he has, since 18.SQ, been 
interested in the drugbusiness. On July 3, 1889, 
the State Pharmaceutical Examining Board grant- 
ed him a certificate as a registered pharmacist. 
In the early years of his practice he carried on 
dentistry, but at present does nothing in that line 
but extract teeth. He married Miss Mary H. 
Gross, of Beavertown, a daughter of Christian 
and Mary (Benfer) Gross, and one child. Otto Q., 
born Nov. 22, 1889, brightens their home and is 
now attending school at Susquehanna Llniver- 
sity. The Doctor owns a pleasant residence in 
Beaver Springs, an excellent farm of fifty-six 
acres in the same vicinity, and another of one 
hundred and fifty acres in West Beaver township 
on which he is building a new farm house at 
present. He also owns the Henry Smith prop- 
ert>' in Beaver Springs, which is one of the most 
pleasant homes in the town. Dr. Wagner, his 
wife and son are prominent members of the Pe- 
formed church, of which he is an elder and sec- 
retar\- of the .loint Consistory: he is a charter 
member of Beaver Springs Castle No. 423,K.G.E., 
in which he was past chief and served six or sev- 
en terms as M. of P. As might be supposed, he 
is identified with the various professional organi- 
zations, and he belongs to the Sn>der Couniy 
Medical Society, in which he was for a number of 
years secretary and treasurer, succeeding Dr. .1. 
Y. Shindel. He is also a permanent member of 
the State Medical Society. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINC^S 
LEONARD JACKSON MANBECK. 

Mr. Manbeck was born in Beaver (now Spring^ 
township, one mile northwest of Adamsburg, 
April 28, 1840, his parents being Henry and Polly 





the Selinsgrove lodge 1. O. O. P., and was alro a 
member of the P. O. S. of A. camp of this town, 
mow defunct >. 



Manbeck. He was married Aug. 4, iSb7. to Me- 
lina, daughter of Paul Benfer, which union was 
blessed with four children: Ammon E., Nathan 
L., Verdie M., and Clyda J. Mr. Manbeck is a 
member of the United Evangelical church, hav- 
ing held different offices, including steward and 
trustee: was also overseer of the poor for a num- 
ber of years in Spring township; was a charter 
member of Beavertown Lodge 1. O. O. I". 
He was raised on a farm and carried on farming 
for about thirty-five years, and is now living at 
Beaver Springs. He was a soldier in the Civil 
War and is a member of the Q. A. R. Post at 
Beaver Springs. 

EPHRAIM ROMIG. 

Mr. Romig is a son of Samuel and Mary Rom- 
ig, a grandson of Solomon Romig and a great- 
grandson of Samuel Romig, Sr. He was born 
Sept. 4, 183<), and was raised on a farm two miles 
southwest of Beaver Springs. He attended the 
early German schools and later received some 
instruction in English. After he became of age 
he learned photography and the trade of shoe- 
making and has worked at these trades ever since. 
He was married July 2, 1871, to Susan A. Schroy- 

er, a daughter of Henry and Mary Schroyer, and ^ 

has always been a resident of Beaver Springs; 

two sons were born to this union: Hurley and IJItlJ. 

Clymer, both married. He is a member of the Nov. 27, 1891, SamuelJ. (JUndrum, 

St. Peter's Evan. Lutheran church; had joined aged 53 years, 1 month and 7 days. 




M. 1-. MATTERN. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




JOHN O. KLINGLER 
Proprietor Klingler Wagon Works. 




CHARLES C. WETZEL 
Cabinet Maker and Dealer In Furniture. 



ISAAC I. MANBECK. 

Mr. Manbeck was born July 12, 1843. in Union 
county, now Snyder, and was a son of Daniel 
and Anna U. Manbeck. Hi.s father died at the 
age of thirt>-fi\e years. leaving a young widow 
with four children. She did not break up the 
family circle, however, but reared her children to 
manhood on a farm about a mile and a half north 
of Beaver Springs. The mother lived to be 87 
years old, and spant her last ten years with her 
son Isaac, who resided in Beaver Springs. At 
the age of eighteen ^■ears Mr. Manbeck taught 
two terms of public school under the instruction 
of Supts. Alleman and Wm. Moyer; but he had 
more of an inclination to become a merchant, 
and at the age of twenty years he hired to B. L. 
Uaudenbush of Beaver Springs as clerk and 
clerked for him eleven years. Then he was 
elected Justice of the F'eace for two terms of Bea- 
ver township. He now entered the store busi- 
ness with Geo. M. Smith, known as the firm of 
Smith (Sc Manbeck, of Beaver Springs. Later the 
same firm sold to A. S. Helfrich, from Banner- 
ville. After he sold out he bought a farm of 45 
acres adjoining Beaver Springs and took to farm- 
ing for a few years but on account of ill health he 
had to quit. The same farm is still owned by 
him. He sold a number of lots and still has 
some to sell. He, with J. O. Qoss, bought the 
store of J. Q. Moyer at Troxelville, doing busi- 
ness as the firm of Ooss & Manbeck. They did 
a successful business for five years, then sold 
out to C. O. Oreenhoe and Isaac Winter. Mr. 
Manbeck then bought a farm of one hundred and 
fifty-six acres west of Troxelville known as the 
Philip Smith farm. This farm he improved con- 
siderably by fertilizing and replacing new build- 
ings, so it can be said his farm properties can 
scarcely be equaled in the county. These farms 
are stocked b>' Mr. Manbeck himself and the lab- 
or is paid in money. William Norman was hired 
for the last twelve years and is still looking after 
the interests of Mr. Manbeck. 

Mr. Manbeck was married to Lovina, daughter 
of Abraham Dreese, of Beav«r Springs. To this 
family was born a son, Herbert Grant, who is 
now forty- one years old. He was married to 
Lizzie, daughter of Anis Gross. This family is 
blessed with one daughter, Blanche, seventeen 
>ears old; said families are living peaceably' to- 
gether in Beaver Springs. The Manbeck family 
is represented elsewhere in this book by a four 
generation picture. Mr. Manbeck and his wife, 
Lovina, rnade four trips west as far as Kansas. 
His son, wife and daughter made a trip west sev- 
eral years ago. Mr. Manbeck and son are stock- 
holders of the Beaver Springs First National 
Bank and McClure First National Bank. Mr. 
and Mrs. Manbeck belong to the Reformed 
church and he is a staunch Republican. 

A distillery was located years ago 
in the meadow west of the residence 
now occupied by William H. Mitchell. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



DAVID F. GETZ. 

Mr. Qetz is the youngest son of David Qetz and 
wife (nee Mary Lepley I and was born March 29, 
1864, in Adamsburg now Beaver Springs,) Sny- 
der county. Pa., at which place he has spent all 
his life with the exception of one year when he 



and all reside at home: Samuel A., Mary F... 
Cora M., Edna v., Hilda A. and Milton F. Mr. 
Getz and eldest j-on are also fruit growers and 
have one of the finest orchards in the county. He 
is the instructor of the Beaver Springs Drum 
Corps. 





worked in West Virginia. He is a steam engin- 
eer by trade and has followed that trade since the 
age of sixteen and is at present in the employ of 
the P. R. R. as night engineer at this place. He 
has been a member of the Adamsburg Silver 
Band since its organization in 1880, and a mem- 
ber of Adamsburg Lodge No. £66 I.O.O.F. He was 
married to Laura E. Zook Dec. 17, 1886, and is the 
father of seven children, six of whom are living 



GEORGE D. LANTZ. 

Mr. Lantz was born near Belleville, Mifflin 
county. Pa., May 25, 1867, and is a son of Samuel 
and Margaret Lantz I nee Cietz). He resided un- 
der the parental roof until he was nineteen years 
old and in 1886 he was united in marriage with 
Eilizabeth Aurand. This union was blessed with 
six children as follows: Max A., employed at 
Wilkesbarre by the P. R. R. Co.; Ray S., an em- 
ploye of the A. M. Aurand Printing House, Ruth, 
Henry, Luther and John. In IQOl his wife died 




and in 1603 he was married to LoEmma Werner. 
of Beaver Springs. To this union was born one 
child, Mary. Mr. Lantz is a member of the St. 
John's Lutheran church of Belleville, al^-o a 
member of the K. O. E. and I. O. O. F. He is a 
plasterer by trade and an energetic band man, 
and is at present baritone player for the Beaver 
Springs Band. He is chairman of the Centennial 
reception committee. 



The markets of Beaver Springs on 
Sept. 1, 1906, were: Butter 16c; eggs 
16c; lard Qc; tallow 4c; potatoes 5Uc; 
ham 16c; shoulder 12c; sidemeat 9c; 
chickens 10c to 13c; onions 60c per 
bushel; wheat 70c; rye 55c; oats 28c; 
corn 50c; cloverseed $5.00, 



CITIZKXS OF r.K.WKIJ SPRINGS 



WILLIAM E. 5TAHLNECKER. 

Mr. Stahlneckcr was born June 12, \SW. at 
MiddlebuPK. his parents beinE Aaron and l.ovine 



into business for Inimself by leasing the Mer- 
chants' Hotel at Beaver SprinKS, which he has 
conducted successfully for almost eight years. 
makinK it one of the most popular hotels in 




iStahlnecker. On Aug. 20, 1803. he was luarncd 
to Annie .J., daughter of .John M. and Sallie Mo\- 
er. Served successfully as clerk at the Wash- 
ing House for a number of years, when he went 



Lciilial Penns.N Ivania. Mr. Stahlnecker is a 
member of Middleburg Lodge No. 010 P. & A.M., 
Northumberland Royal .Arch Chapter No. 174: 
Caldwell Consistory S. P. R. S., Bloomsburg; 
Mystic Shrine, Irem Temple, Wilkesbarre, Pa. 



lES: 



Hurley Romig conducted a large Isaiah Koons conducted a gun- 

coachmaking shop here for about a smith shop for years on the premises 

year, when it was destroyed by fire where the late Daniel Pontius resid- 

and was not rebuilt. Rudy Bros, ed for many years, 
were also engaged in the same busi- 
ness for a few years. 



Henry Mechtley conducted a brick- 
making plant east of what is now 
Brick making used to be carried on Augustus Bateman's residence, and 
here on quite an extensive scale, but 



for fifteen years or more no work of 
this kind has been done here. John 
Snook operated the first brick mak- 
ing plant across the creek from 
where Milton Manbeck now resides; 
he was succeeded by Daniel Price, 
who employed Henry Getz and his 
sons, Perry, George and James, to 
make the brick. The Reformed 
church and many of the brick res- 
idences in town are built with the 
brick made at this plant. 



it across the railroad 
now Samuel Werner's 



later moved 

on what is 

ground. Helfrich and Smith later 

conducted a plant on the land now 

owned by f'rank W. Dreese. 



Years ago the Postoffice was lo- 
cated in a small building between 
what is now J. W. Bowersox's store 
and Mrs. Amelia (lundrum's resi- 
dence, with William Saitzman as 
postmaster. Later the office was 
moved across the street into a small 
building on the site now occupied by 
W. F. Haines' residence, with L. 
Rash Haines as postmaster. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



JACOB ISAAC SMELTZER. 

Mr. Smeltzer was born Sept. 3rd, 1858, at Eliza- 
bethville, Dauphin Co., Pa., and was married to 




Mary Elizabeth Rumbaugh, of Millerstown, Per- 
ry Co., in 1880. He farmed until 1886, when he 
took up his present work of wagon-making. 
Four sons have blessed this union: David Frank- 
lin, William Elwood, George Birlon, McClellan 
Washingrton. 



He moved to Beaver Springs in 1879, where he 
accepted a foremanship on the S. & L. Division 
P. R. R., which position he held for eighteen 
years. He is a member of the Evan. Lutheran 
church of this place. 



RAY 5. LANTZ. 



Mr. Lantz was born May 26. 1880, at Carmel, N. 
J., and his parents are Q. D. and Elizabeth Lantz 
(nee Aurand.) He attended the public schooKs 
of Belleville Pa., in the winter, and did fac- 
tory work during the summer. In the fall of 
1004 he moved to this place with his parents and 
entered the Aurand Printing House where he is 
now employed as compositor and press feeder. 
He is a member of the Beaver Springs Military 
band. 



SAMUEL E. KLINEPETER. 

Mr. Klinepeter was born Feb. 2, 1846, at Port 
Royal, Juniata county. Pa., being the son of 
Adam and Sara Ann 'nee Boyer) Klinepeter. He 
was married March 24, 1870, to Miss Margaret C. 
Patton and there were born to them five sons 
and five daughters, six of whom are living: 
Belle v., married to J. S. Swain; Annie E., mar- 
ried to J. A. Hawke, who have one daughter. 
Margaret Qeneveive; residing in Lewistown; 
Clarence, Netta, Alva and Russell are at home. 




UA\ S. LANTZ. 



CITIZENS OF I}EAM^:R SPRINGS 



AMMON MONROE AURAND. 

Mr. Aurand is the son of Samuel I-. and Hle- 
nora \l. Aiirand. and was born near Beaver 
SprinRS. Sept. 3, 1S70. His Krandparcnts were 
Isaac Aurand and wife Caroline (nee Robinson. 
Isaac Aurand was a prominent farmer and later 
a citizen of the to\\ n and died .lune 2*). l')()3, ajied 
76 years, () months and !_' da>s. The widow sur- 
vives. His Kreat-Krandparents were Samuel 
Aurand and wife. His great-sreat-Krand parents 
were Henry Aurand and wife Rebecca nee Dreis- 
bach) who lived and kept a store where .lohn W. 
Bingaman lived for many \ears. near what is 
now known as Benfer P. ()., two and one-half 
miles north of Beaver Springs. His great-great- 
great-grandparents were .lohn Aurand and wife, 
Mary Elizabeth (nee Pontiusi who cametoAmer- 
ica on the ship Hdenburg, .James Lyon, captain, 
from Rotterdam. Germany, Oet. J, 175.3. John 
Aurand was born at Dillenburg, Ocrinany, Sept. 
5, 1725. The great-great-great-great-grand-par- 
ents of the subject of this sketch were Henry 
Aurand and wife, Anna Christina (nee Hoff , who 
lived at or in Straas Hbersbach, Germany. In 
this place they had settled from Heidelburg, 
Germany, having come there from Holland, to 
which country they had fled from Prance upon 
the Revocation of the Pdict of Nantes by Louis 
,\IV in 1085, because of the Protestant faith of the 
Aurand family. This family is of eminent Huge- 
not stock, having occupied positions of high 
rank and can be traced back in connection with 
the Sellaire family, which was of the same stock, 
to the year A. D. 1300, The mother of A. M. 
Aurand was a daughter of John R. and Sarah 
Stumpff, who died within a few weeks of each 
other in the early spring of 1880, near Beaver 
Springs. Of the further maternal ancestry there 
is no available record. 

From the "History of the Aurand Family," 
Rev. Frederick Aurand, author, published in 
IQOO: and from the "Commemorative Record," 
published in 18Q8 the following facts are gleaned 
on the life of the subject of this sketch: "Mr. 
Aurand is a self-made young man in all respects. 
He received only a common school education and 
at the age of sixteen he entered upon his chosen 
life work, the printing and publishing business, 
in which he has been remarkably successful. 
This instance goes to show that the young men 
who are not blessed with means can make a suc- 
cess in life without a college education, if their 
spare time is devoted to study, >oung Aurand 
using all available spare moments in the study of 
his books. Without a dollar capital, and never 
having been inside a printing office, this boy 
started into business. His first printing press, a 
small card press, cost seventy-five cents. By 
personal e.\perience and from books he gradual- 
ly learned the printing business and by exchang- 
ing the smaller for larger presses from time to 
time, he was enabled on March 5, 1887, to issue 
the first number of the "Adamsburg Herald," a 
four column folio, later changed to "The Weekly 
Herald." This paper continued to grow in size, 
circulation and influence until it now has the 
largest circulation of any weekly newspaper pub- 
lished in Snyder, Mifflin or. Juniata counties. In 
1883 he started the American Business Journal; 
in 18% the American Monthly Herald; in I8Q9 the 
Christian Advocate; in 1Q05 the American Book- 
seller, all journals of general circulation extend- 
ing over the entire United States. In 1804 he 
erected a substantial building, 25x45 feet, two 
stories high, to carry on his increasing business, 
and in I'KIO anr)ther two-story building adjoining, 
20x40 feet. In these buildings is now located a 
printing and publishing plant not equalled any- 
where in the United States in a town of .500 pop- 
ulation. From twelve to twenty-five people are 
employed the year round. Besides personally 
superintending the printing and publishing busi- 
ness and editing the various papers, Mr. Aurand 
has other extensive business interests, giving all 
of them his personal attention. He is the sole 
manager of the American Publishing Company. 



which sells books and Bibles through more than 
four thousand agents in all parts of America and 
owns many of the copyrights and plates of these 
books exclusively. He is the author and com- 
piler of a number of books, the sale of which has 
run up into many thousands of copies. 

In addition to this business he is one of the 
three organizers and treasurer of the Beaver 
Springs Water Co., one of the three organizers 
and the president of the Beaver Springs Flectric 
Light Co., one of the three organizers and the 
president of the Farmers' and Merchants' Tele- 
phone Co.; one of the organizers and has served 
as director and secretary of the First National 
Bank, of McClure, Pa.; one of the organizers and 
directors of the Town Hall Association;a supreme 
director in the LInion Protective Association, 
Beavertown, Pa.; the owner of book stores at 
Lewistow n, Beaver Springs, Sunbury and Sham- 
okin. Mr. Aurand is a member of the Reformed 
church and has served as deacon continuously 
for almost fifteen years; has been a Sunday 
school teacher of classes of >oungboys for twelve 
years; has been president of the Christian I-"n- 
deavor Society for several terms. He is a mem- 
ber of Middleburg Lodge No. blO. F. & A. M.; of 
Beavertown Camp No. Q8 P. O. S. of A.; Adams- 
burg Lodge No. .500. I. O. O. F., where he has oc- 
cupied all the important offices in the Lodge, and 
was a representative to the Grand Lodge meeting 
at Gettysburg in 1901; and is a member of the 
State Fditorial Association since 18')0, 

He is a Republican in politics and in 1896 was 
elected national delegate from Snyder county to 
the St. Louis convention which nominated Wil- 
liam McKinle>' for president for his first term, 
Mr. Aurand receiving the highest numberof votes 
ever given any candidate in Snyder county. In 
I8Q8 he was appointed postmaster at Beaver 
Springs and held the office until 1900, a period of 
nine years, without an>' opposition and having 
the full confidence and esteem of the patrons of 
the office, when his increasing business interests 
in other lines compelled him to resign the office 
and he was permitted to choose his successor, 
Mr. J. W. Specht, and Ira A. Kline, assistant. 
Through his careful management he has suc- 
ceeded in raising the post office from the fourth 
to the third or presidential class, now pa>ing 
a salary of eleven hundred dollars a year. He has 
served several terms as county committeeman 
and held the office as secretary of the committee 
each term; has served as school director for 
three years, and held the office of secretary of 
the board the entire period; is secretary of the 
Board of Trade organized in 1900. On Dec. 26. 
1889, Mr. Aurrnd was married to Jennie M., only 
daughter of Lewis and Sarah Helfrich. This 
union was blessed with three children: Ammon 
Monroe. Jr., born March 8, 1895; Claudia Beatrice, 
born Oct. 2, 1900; Grace Margaret, born Sept. 21, 
1902. Mr. Aurand is a great lover of books and 
has a splendid private library of over 2,000 vol- 
umes, some of which are very rare. He takes 
a great interest in his home town and is always 
ready to advocate anything that tends to improve 
or advance the interests of the town. He was 
unanimously chosen president of the Centennial 
Association in 1900 and is devoting all his efforts 
to make the celebration a grand success. 

Such is the brief histor>' of a remarkably suc- 
cessful young man who started in life without a 
dollar capital and who energetically worked 
his way up to an influential position, and it 
contains helpful suggestions to every youth 
who would win a worthy place in life. His 
brief life of 30 years has been a most strenuous 
one, but the results of his labors are e\erywhere 
visible and will stand as monuments to his un- 
tiring efforts and energies long after he has 
passed away and gone to his reward. 



MARRIFD. 
Sept. 26, 1901, by Rev. O. Mast Gordon, at Phil- 
adelphia, W. Fdgar Miller and Carrie E. Young- 
man, both of Beaver Springs. 



CITIZENS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



A. MONROE AURAND, JR. 

A. Monroe Aurand is a son of A. M. Aurand, 
Sr., and was born March 8, 1895. He is one of 
the hustling and enterprising young boys of the 
tov\n and will some day make his mark in the 
business world, having already the sagacity and 
instinct of a good business man. At the age of five 
years he had learned typesetting and devoted 
hours at a time in his father's office to this work, 
setting up short articles for the Herald. He was 
known as the youngest typesetter, or com- 
positor, in the U. S.. and the big city dailies print- 




ed his portrait and devoted considerable space to 
this >outhful prodigy. He is now eleven years 
old and conducts a news agency, selling daily 
papers and magazines. He is also the librarian 
of the free library at this place, and is himself a 
great reader of books. He has attended public 
schools since six years of age. He is a member 
and regular attendant of Christ Reformed Sun- 
day school and the Christi'^n Endeavor Society, 
plays the fife in the Beaver Springs Drum Corps 
and plays the piano. He can operate a typewrit- 
er and feed a job press and readilj' picks up any 
work given him. 



On July 18, 1905, quite a destruc- 
tive fire occurred in town, caused by 
some children playing with matches 
in a barn. The reported losses were 
as follows: Rev. S. F. Greenhoe.barn, 
$400, insurance $300; Albright Dreese, 
personal property, $100, no insurance; 
Anis Gross, barn, $700, insurance 
$400; Q. M. Smith, personal property, 
$50, no insurance; Dr. A. M. Smith, 
barn, $1600, insurance, $550; J. W. 
Snook, stable, $300, no insurance; 
Lutheran parsonage, stable, $100, no 
insurance. 



WILLIAM B. WOODLING. 

Mr. Woodling was born April 15, 1837, and was 
married to Elvina Roush in 1861. This union 
was blessed with five children, namely, Virgie, 




William, Annie and two others who died in in- 
fancy. His wife died in 1870 and he was remar- 
ried to Elvina Unangst, widow of William 
Unangst, in 1873. In his early life he was en- 
gaged in boating, blacksmithing, dealing 'in 
stock, and then in lumbering and peach growing. 
He now lives retired at Beaver Springs. 

The Town Hall* 

This splendid building was erected 
in the fall of 1904, through the efforts 
of Samuel Werner, H. I. Romig, 
James D. Dreese, Robert S. Smith, 
A. M. Aurand (who are the directors) 
and others who saw the necessity of 
a suitable building in which to hold 
public meetings and entertainments. 
The public hall is on the first floor 
and includes a stage, gallery, etc., 
the second floor being used for lodge 
meeting purposes, it being occupied 
at present by the I. O. O. F. 



In addition to the names of black- 
smiths of the town, appearing in the 
first part of this book, may be added 
Samuel Warner, John Spangler, 
Foster Reigle, Henry Beaver and 
George Nace. 



( ITl/KNS OF IJKAVKK SI'IMNdS 



JAMES CHRISTIAN SCHAMBACH. 

Mr. Schambach was born in Adamsburg, (now 
Beaver Springs), Snyder county. Pa., on the 
.3()th day of December. KS.'iS. His ancestors on his 
father's side being German of descent and on his 
mother's side. German and Prench descent. His 
father was .John Schambach and his mothtr 
was Catherine (nee Aurand' Schambach. When 
he was ten years old he was hired out to work on 
the farm, and worked on the farm during sum- 
mer and went to the p..b i ; school in the winter, 
(at that time the term was four months). At the 
age of sixteen years he v. ent home to learn the 




member to the present time. He has been a 
member of the Reformed consistory for twenty 
years; he is now and has been treasurer of Christ 
Reformed church for the last sixteen years: he 
has been a tnember of the F'ioformed church choir 
for nineteen >ears. having been one of its first 
members: has served as superintendent of Christ 
Reformed Sunday school for ten years and is at 
present superintendent; was secretary of the 
same for a number of years; he has been a mem- 
ber of the Board of Trustees of the Cemetery As- 
sociation since its organization; he has been 
sexton of Christ Reformed church for sixteen 
years and is the present sexton. He has always 
taken an active part in politics and served as rep- 
resentative delegate of Snyder county to the 
Democratic state convention at Harrisburg sev- 
eral years ago. He was nominated by the Dem- 
ocratic county convention in 1900 for the office of 
prothonotary for Snyder county; has been com- 
mitteeman of Spring township and a member of 
the Democratic standing committee of Snyder 
county for fifteen years; has been treasurer and 
is now secretary of the same. He was appointed 
by Judge Bucher. the first judge of election for 
Spring township when the township was formed. 
He is at present one of the board of auditors for 
Spring township. He has been a member of the 
Beaver Springs military band for over twenty- 
five years and was one of the charter members. 



trade of wagon-making with his father and work- 
ed with his father till May 3, 1880, when he start- 
ed a shop for himself in the town of Adamsburg 
and worked at his trade for twenty-two years. 
When the Beaver Springs wagon factory start- 
ed he entered the same and has been working 
there up to the present time and was one of the 
first hands employed by the firm, being engaged 
in building the wheels for the said factory. He 
has been residing in Beaver Springs for over 
twenty-six years. On the 28th day of November, 
1880, Mr. Schambach was married to Harriet S. 
Aigler, of Beavertown, Snyder Co., Pa., a daugh- 
ter of Noah and Susannah (nee Grimm) Aigler. 
This union was blessed w ith five daughters as 
follows: Maggie Alvilda. Katie Susannah, Carrie 
Belle, Lizzie Annetta, Mary Kathryn, two of 
whom have departed this life, viz: Katie Susan- 
nah, at the age of 2 years and 15 days, and Carrie 
Belle at the age of 2 years, 2 months and .l days. 
Mr. Schambach joined the Reformed church at 
Beaver Springs in 1871 under the pastorate of President Beaver Springs Water Co. and 
Rev. L. C. Rdmonds and has been a regular Treasurer Beaver Springs Electric Light Co. 




ANIS GROSS 



CITIZENS OF bp:aver springs 



JAMES M. BAKER. 

J. M. Baker, of Beaver Springs, who is now 
serving his second term as district attorney of 
Snyder county, enjoys the distinction of having 
been elected to that office with a greater majority 
than any other person ever elected to office in 
Snyder county. He is a native of Snyder coun- 
ty, however, having first seen the light Novem- 
ber ,^1, 1861, in West Beaver township, but his 
youth was spent elsewhere and it was as a 
comparative stranger that, in 18Q1, he began to 
practice his profession in the place of his nativity. 
He comes of an excellent family, and on the 
paternal side is of English descent. His father, 
Walter Baker, was born in Snyder county, and 
learned the trade of carpentering and cabinet 
making with David Ocker. He followed these 
lines of business for some time and although he 
began life without an>' capital, he is now com- 




fortably situated, owning a fine farm in Decatur 
to^^'nship, Mifflin Co., Pa. In 1872 he removed to 
Dormantown. Pa., where he now resides. He 
has always taken an interest in local affairs wher- 
ever he has resided, and has several times been 
elected to the office on the Republican ticket. In 
religious work he isprominent as a member of 
the Lutheran church, serving in various offices, 
and for years he has been superintendent of the 
Sunday school. His wife, Sarah McClcan, who 
was born in Snyder county, is of Scotch-Irish 
ancestry. Our subject is the eldest of nine chil- 
dren; William M., is a physician at Lewistown; 
Mary, died in childhood; Adda C, married to E. 
S. Aurand, of Lewistown; Ira R. is a teacher in 
Dormantown; Miss Lizzie is also a teacher; Sam- 
uel S. teaches in the schools at Dormantown; 



Elsie and Kirby are at home. Mr. Baker began 
his education in the schools of Bannerville with 
J. Y. H. Moyer as his first teacher. As his par- 
ents left Snyder county when he was but a boy, 
he attended for several years the public schools 
at Dormantown, and so readily did he learn that, 
at seventeen he was licensed to teach. He se- 
cured a school in West Beaver township, Sriyd^r 
county, at twenty dollars per month, and while 
teaching he devoted his evenings and in fact, all 
his spare time to study. Previous to 1877 he had 
spent much of his time upon a farm, but after- 
wards he worked at the carpenter trade with his 
father and although the occupation was not con- 
genial he spent several summers in that way 
after he had begun teaching. In 1882 he com- 
pleted a course in telegraphy in the normal 
schools at Ada, Ohio, but not liking the business 
he never followed it. In 1884 he entered the 
scientific course at Ada and was graduated from 
that department in July, 1886, as civil engineer. 
He then returned to Pennsylvania and became a 
partner with his father in the stave business at 
Dormantown, and afterwards returned to his 
Alma Mater to study law. Having learned the 
theory he took up the study of legal practice in 
the office of Andrew Reed of Lewistown and in 
1890 was admitted to the Bar. For a short time 
he remained with his preceptor, but in March, 
18Q1, he located at Beaver Springs, where he met 
with unusual success, his practice extending 
throughout this section. In 18Q4 he was elected 
to District Attorney, and since January, 18Q5, he 
has held that office, being re-elected without op- 
position in 1897. His abilities are recognized by 
all parties, his duties being most ably discharged. 
Mr. Baker married Miss Mary J. Yeager, daugh- 
ter of Simon D. and Hannah (Bear) Yeager, 
well-known residents of Lewistown. Tuo chil- 
dren were born to this union: Beulah E., who 
died in infancy, and Walter C, born Feb. 16, 
1890, now an interesting boy. Mr. and Mrs. 
Baker are prominent in social life and she is an 
active member of the Methodist church. Their 
home is a pleasant one, having lately been re- 
modeled, and in addition to this property Mr. 
Baker also owns three small tracts of land near 
town. Politically Mr. Baker is a staunch Repub- 
lican, and socially he is a member of the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America No. 98, at Beavertown, 
and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle at Beaver 
Springs. He was a charter member of the latter 
society, and has passed through all the chairs; 
also a member of the Sons of Veterans of Mc- 
Clure, his father having served as a volunteer in 
the Rebellion. - From Beers' Commemorative 
Biographical Record, 1898. 

Married. 

April 9, 1898, by Rev. B. F. Kautz, 
John A. Kearns, of Beavertown, and 
Effie M. Aurand. of Beaver Springs. 
April 30, 1898, by Rev. B. F. Kautz, 
Spencer Earl Romig and Nettie E. 
Felker, both of Beaver Springs. 



PROGRAM. 



Centennial Celebration Sept. 6, 7 and 8, 1906, in Hon. 
A. M. Smith's Grove. 

THURSDAY, SEPT. C, 10 A. M.— Old Home Day. Reunion of 
Old Settlers, Natives and Former Residents <'f the Town and Vicinity. 
Address of welcome by Hon. A. M. Smith. Speeches hj^ Former Citizi'ns. 

1 P. M. — Industrial Parade, including Floats, ^\'agons and Vehicles 
c»f All Kinds, representing the various lUisiness Houses and Industries of 
town. Si'veral Bands and a Magnificent Electric Piano on a large Float 
will furnish nmsic during the jxirade. An attractive feature will l)e 35 
Farmers in line, each with a different farm implement or machine, 
representing both old-time and modern methods of farming. Each team 
gaily decorated. 

2:30 P. M.— Annual Lutlieran Reunion of Snyder County. All 
the Congregations in the county will be represented. Addresses by Rev. 
A. E. Wagner, Ph. D., Rev. .lohn Kline, Ph. I)., Rev. A. H. Spangler 
and others. 

B P. M. — Further exercises and addresses l)y the Lutheran people. 

Special train leaves Beaver Springs for Sunburj^ at i):30 p. m., 
stopping at all intermediate stations. 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 7, 9:30 A. M.— Addresses by prominent men. 

10:30 A. M. — Base Ball Game between two strong tt'ams. 

1 P. M. — Fantastic Parade, open to all persons wishing to take part 
either in fancy or comic costumes. As ladies will participate in this 
parade, no disorderly conduct will be permitted on the part of anyone. 

2:30 P. M. — Reunion of the Reformed Church Membersof Snyder, 
Mifflin and adjoining counties. Addresses by Rev. A. C. Whitmer 
and others. 

6 P. M. — Address, " Adam sburg (Beaver Springs), Its Union Church 
and People of Fifty Years Ago," by Rev. L. C. Edmonds, a former 
pastor. 

Special trains will leave Beaver Springs for Sunlnny and Lewistown 
Junction at 1^):30 P. M., stopping at all intermediate stations. 

SATURDAV, SEPT. 8, 10 A. M.— Addresses l)y prominent men. 
Reunion of the Odd Fellows of Snyder, Miiihn, Juniata and Union 
Counties, and General Reunion of all the secret societies in Central 
Pcmnsylvania. 

1 P. M. — Secret Society Parade, in which the following Orders will 
be represented : Odd Fellows, Grand Army of the Rei)ubhc, Sons of 
^'eterans, Patriotic Sons of America, Knights of Pythias, Red Men, 
Knights of the Golden Eagle, Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Imi-c 
Companies, Modern Woodmen and other organizati(ms. Mt)re than 
Fifty Secret Organizations will ))(• in line. 

2:30 P. M.— Addresses by prominent members of the I. O. O. F. 
and other Fraternal Orders. 

() to i) P. M. — Grand Carnival and closing exercises of the First 
Centennial Anniversary of tlie Town. 



VIEWS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 




Dr. A. M. Smith's Park, where the Centennial Exercises were Held. View Looking Southeast. 




J. F. Snook and Family. Mr. Snook is the Official Photographer of the Centennial .lubilee and 
Assistant Cashier of the First National Bank. 



VIEW'S OF P>KA\'KI{ SI'itlNCS 




EIDON HANDLE COMPANY. 

Iranolithic Building of the Beaver Springs Hlectric Light Co., in which 
is located the Company's motor, dynamo and storage rooms. The greater 
part of the building, including the portion shown above, is occupied by 
the Eidon Handle Company in the manufacture of all kinds of whip handles 
and whips. They are making whip handles and whips on an entirely new 
principle. In the old way of whip making whether of better or cheaper 
whips, the handle was made with the top or upper portion of whip. The 
Ridon Handle Co. makes the handle of the whip separate and apart from 
the top of the whip. The body of the handle is steel which is covered with 
a variety of materials such as leather, celluloid — in different colors, etc. As 
the handle of the Eidon whips are made separate and apart from the top it 
is evident that a great variety of combinations can be obtained, impossible 
in the old style of whip making. A dealer or customer can select any size, 
weight, color or quality that his tastes may require. There is no glue used 
in the Eidon whips to form a connection to handle. The handle of Eidon 
whips is joined to the tops by means of a cold metal connection, which is 
patented. This connection forms an inseparable joint unaffected by heat, 
cold or moisture. It is a well known fact that all common thread covered 
whips with the ordinary covering on handle soon wear ragged in a whip 
socket, and become a receptacle for grease and dirt. The Eidon handles can 
all be washed and kept clean. As is reasonable to suppose the Eidon Co. 
are having a large and growing demand for their goods and are sending 
whips now to almost all parts of the country. 



BcuB 0f l^att^r i^prtuga. 



Those Who Have Gone Out Into the World and Made a Success in Life« 



IRA J. SMITH. H. U. LAUB, Jr. 

Mr. Smith was born November 27, 187\, his Mr, Laub was born near Beaver Springs, Pa., 
parents being Robert Smith and wife of Beaver December 27, 1862, near where his parents, Hen- 
Springs. He took a business course at Bryant & ry H, and Louisa Laub, still reside. He was 

educated in the public schools and at the age of 
twenty entered the Pennfyivania Railroad Com- 
pany's office at McClure, in whose employ he 
has been to the present time,. In May, 188b, he 
was promoted to telegraph operator and clerk at 
Lewistown, Pa. After serving in various capaci- 
ties on July Ist^ 1889, was promoted to agent at 
Reedsville, Pa., where he served the company 
until Oct. 1, 1897, when he wss promoted to his 
present position as freight, passenger an.d bag- 
gage agent at Lewistown, Pa. He always took an 
active interest in the advancement of public im- 
provements as well as in the political world and 




i5tratton's Business College, Buffalo, New York, 
after which was employed by Barnes, Hsinjerer 
& Co., department store, of Buffalo, as one of the 
•office clerks for one year. Next employed as 
city salesman with Smith, F<Dster & Co., of Phila- 
delphia, for a period of five years; after that by 
The Dunham Shredded Cocoanut Co„ of New 
York City, for which firm he traveled ten states 
in one year; was next employed as salesman for 
one year by Spaulding & Merrick, of Chicago, 
111., the largest tobacco manufacturers in the 
world. This position he resigned and accepted 
a position as salesman for the Reid Tobacco Co., 
•of Milton, Pa., which he held for two years. Re- 
signing the Milton firm, which are the largest 
tobacco jobbers in the V. S^ he is again traveling 
as a tobacco salesman for Spaulding & Merrick, 
of Chicago, who are a part of the American & 
Continental Tobacco Company. Mr. Smith has 
made Milton his headquarters for the past four 
years. He is a member of Lodge No. 913 B. P. O. 
Elks since 1904, in which Order. he takes a great 
interest. JJe is jjDmarrJejd. 




was unanimously choseti County Chairman of 
the Mifflin County Republican Committee, w.hich 
honor came unsolicited. 



Herald, April 4, 1888. 

Over 1,000 tons of iron ore were 
shipped from this place during th^ 
rnonth of March. 



SONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



CHARLES R, KL05E, 



LEWIS HOWARD RAUCH. 



Charles R. Klose, second son of \Vm. J. and Lewis Howard Rauch is a son of Lewis and 
Mary L. Klose, was born at Beaver Springs, Pa., Melinda Ranch, of Beaver Springs. He was 
Nov. 16, 187.5; attended the public sch(W)Js of the born June 25, 1866, attended Beaver Springs pub- 
lic schools until 18 years of age, taught one term 
of school at Aurand's school house, about two 
miles north of Beaver Springs. He entered the 
railroad station at Beaver Springs in May, 1886, to 
learn the art of tefegraphy and railroad work un- 
der the instruction of J. E, f-orrseter and his 
assistantAV'm. Garman. In May ,.1887 .was appoint- 
ed manager of Western L^nion telegraph office at 
Selinsgrove, Pa. From June, 1889, until April, 
1890, he was extra operator on the S. & L. Divis- 
ion; from April, 1890, to Sept., 1892. served as 
agent and operator at Hambleton ar»d Dobbin, 
W. Va., on the West Virginia Central and Pitts- 
burg Railway; from Sept., 1892, until August, 
1898, agent and t>perator at Robertsdale, Pa.,, on 
the E,ast Broad Top Railroad. In August, 1898, 
accepted a position in auditor's office of the W, 
Va. C. &■ Pgh J.J. R. at Hlkins.W. Va., first as clerk 
of tickets and telegraph accounts, then premoteii 
to.assistant to-general bookkeeper, which posi- 
tion he held for about four months; was thert 
promoted to chief clerk in miscellaneous freight 
department and route agent. On account of poor 
health he resigned October, 1900..and came back 
tON Pennsylvania.. On February 25, 1901, he ac- 
cepted a positi€Ki as operator and clerk on ther 



town, took up a classical course in- the Northern 
kJniversity at Ada, Ohio; graduated' with honors 
in the year 1900; took up a business course in 
Keller's Business College, at Lewisburg, anjj 
gpaduated in 1902; taught school five terms, was 
principal of the Beaver Springs schools few twa 
years. Was engaged in the mercantile business 
with his brother for a year or more: sold out to 
J.. B. Spangler and J. D. Haines; was bookkeepe i? 
fqr the Waverly Oil Co., of Pittsburg, Pa. Took 
a civil service examination and-was appointed to 
and accepted a clerkship in the Treasury De- 
partment at Washington, D. C:, Oct. 30, 1905, still 
holding said position. He is a member of the 
Reformed church of which Pres. Roosevelt hulds 
rfiembership. and is a member of Acacia Lodge 
No. 18 e. A. & A.M., of Washington. D. C. 




Reab€;n Dreese's Bam Bwrned. 

Tuesday morning, Nav. 1, 1887, at 
4 o'clock, the large bank barn ol 
Reuben Dreese in town was burned 
to the ground, with its contents. The 
barn was full of hay and straw and 

contained 900 bushels of oats and 400. Cambi-ia and Clearfield division of the P. R. R. at: 

bushels of wheat. The stock was Cre.s.con. Pa., and at pre.sent is holding the posi- 

, , ^T .,^^, . ^, _„„ tion oftinie keeperandpaxmastcr forthisdivision.- 

saved. Loss, $3,000; insurance, $1,.500; ^^ ,^^^^^j, ^^ „,^,^^j t„. ^vmss Tiiiie c. stuck.. 
t.bAfire wasthtiwork of aruincejidiary.. NQ>;hiiciren.hjLve.biesssdjthi5 uniuo- 




BONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



JACOB A. LAUB, assessor and gensra/ assessor the year follow- 

Mr. Laubisa son of the veteran, Wenry n. '"?• ^'^'c'^ Position he still hold^ He is a mem- 

Lauband wife, and was born Mar* 15. 1873 In his *" •" ®f ^he A. A. of I,. S.. & T,. W. and also the 

^arly youth he acquired his education m our cily .J?;'°*!?,^TlX''?f'r?^„'^'^^T'U "^ wa^ one of the 

, , , . ^^ ,. ■^ pioneer Odd I-ellows of Beaver Springs Lodge, 

.-jfcbPOis. later attending our cou.tity .normals, fit- bemg one of the fifteen members to get the.de- 




tiiing h'lmseTT for a teacher, which -occupation 1 e 
ifollowed during 1894 and 1895. -Be was married 
(Feb. 7. 1895, to Miss Minnie BeJIe Smith oldest 
-•daughter of Mr. ar J Mr^. Adaro Smith, Mr. 
'Smith being a successful merchant in this city at 
"ihat time. In 1897 he moved to Berwick, Pa., 

taking up a lacrative position with the American 
iCar & Foundry (Co., which be still holds at the 

present time. He is much irterested in Ber- 

wick's municipal politics, taking an actrvepart in 
• all matters pertaining to the betterment of the 

cit.v injjexieraJ. .ln,19U2 he avas .eliicted .regiatrv' 



_grics at Se!insgrove and aTterwaTfls iiistlhatiTrg-a 
nome lodge. Mr. Laub is one of the many suc- 
cessful sons of Beaver Springs to whom we can 
look up to with pTJde- 



Marriag-es* 

April 29, ri871, by Rev, Edmonds, 
Wm, B- Woodling and Mrs. Elvina 
Unangst, 

Aug. 10, 1871, by Rev. L. C. Ed- 
monds, at Adamsburg, John E. BoJ^ 
ender anxi Anna Moyfij:. 



SONS OF bp:aver spr]N(;s 



J. CALVIN OLDT. 

Mr. Oldt was born near Beaver Springs, Pa., 
Feb. 15, 18()5, and is the only son of George and 
Amanda Oldt. At present he is the Superintend- 
ent of Public Schools at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, and 




the Mayor of that famo-us summer resort -the 
Coney Island of the West. From Sept. 1 toabout 
June 10 of each year he teaches Science, the 
Higher Mathematics and Germar* in the High 
School and during the three summer months his 
forenoons are devoted to. official work in the 
mayor's office and part of the afternoons to the 
management of the electric railroad and power 
house of which he has been superintendent and 
treasurer for six years. This famous little rai(- 
road carries several thousands of passengers 
s^very day and Sundays and holidays from eight 
to ten thousand passengers. As mayor, he has 
charge of the welfare of the tens of thousand's 
who visit this famous resort, who are protected 
by a good police force of fourteen men and an oc- 
casional detective. His rigid enforcement of laws 
has rid the resort of questionable characters ^o 
that he needs sit as judge in court but for from 
fjfty to sixty cases per year. This principle has 
elected him for five times and he is now serving 
his ninth year as mayor. He has also been Jus- 
tice of the Peace for seven years. In politics he 
is a Republican. As a Christian, he is firmly de- 
voted to church, Sunday school, and Young 
People's meetings. While living at Beaver 
Springs he was in turn secretary, assistant sup- 
erintendent and for a short time superintendent 
of the Reformed Snnday school. He has been a 
Sunday school teacher since 1879., At Put-in-Bay 



he has been superintendent of the Episcopal 
Sunday school for ten years, clerk and member 
of the church vestry for 10 years, and leader of the 
choir for fifteen years. He is a strong \. M. C. A. 
worker and while at college at New Berlin was a 
member of the Sectional State Committee, hav- 
ing charge of Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, North- 
umberland, Montour, L'nion, Snyder and Juniata 
counties. While Mr. Oldt has been active as a 
citizen, a Christian and a business man, yet he 
wishes to be recognized as a teacher which he 
has made his life work. He was educated in the 
public and private schools of Spring township. 
Snyder ctvunty. Freeburg Academ\' and County 
Normal school. Lock Haven State Normal and 
Central Penna. College, from which latter insti- 
tution he graduated from the Classical depart- 
ment and also from the Commercial department. 
Later he did post-graduate work in Pedagogy 
under the guidance of Lebanon Valley College. 
cnJ now he is pursuing a course preparatory to 
his entering the Ohio Normal College of the State 
University for a pedagogical degree. He holds an 
Ohio life certificate for high schools, the highest 
credential for Ohio high school teachers. For 
three years he was clerk and member of the 
County Board of School Examiners. This office 
is the highest school office in Ohio counties, for 
Ohio does not have county superintendents. 
While residing in Snyder county he taught in 
Troxelville, Beaver Springs, Bickel's school in 
Spring township, and Good's, in Adams. For 
the last sixteen years he has been teaching in 
Ohio, and on Sept. 3 he will begin his twenty- 
fourth year as teachex. While living in Snyder 
count>' he began writing as a correspondent to 
the Selinsgrove Times, and later corresponded 
for years for the Freeburg Courier, The Tribune, 
the Middleburg Post and The Herald. He is now 
a paid reporter for the Sandusky Daily Register 
and Detroit News and for several county' weeklies. 



Herald. Dec. 23. 1887. 

Died. 

On Dec. 19, 1887, Abner Middles- 
warth, aged 75 years. The funeral 
last Wednesday was largely attended. 

Mr. Middleswarth had a stroke of 
apoplexy about fourteen months ago 
and. again about five weeks ago. He 
suffered greatly and was entirely 
helpless for some time. 

Herald, April 30, 18S7. 

S. S. Bachman, the trapper from' 
our town,, made a shipment of fur 
skins last week to a New York party > 
it consisted of the skins of 95 musk 
rats, 12 racoons, 2 minks and 1 red' 
fox. • This is the second shipment 
Mr. Bachman made this spring; he 
knows how to deceive game-^ 



SONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



SPENCER E. ROMIG. 

Mr. Romig is a son of H. I. Romig and wife and 
was born and reared in Beaver Springs. He at- 




tended the public schools and later went into the 
butchering business; after a few years of a pros- 
perous business he moved to Berwick and was 
engaged in the same business for awhile; next 
took up electrical work when the Westinghouse 
Company installed the electrical machinery in the 
newly constructed steel plant for the American 
Car and Foundry Co., at Berwick. He worked 
there for a few years and was then called to Wap- 
wallopen. Pa., on a similar vocation. He is at 
present working for the New York Central R. R., 
installing electrical apparatus in the electrical 
cars and holds the office as assistant foreman. 



Herald, Oct. 2, 1887. 

Who Can Beat These ? 

Isaac Aurand raised a red beet that 
weighed 7 pounds and measured 2 
feet and 2 inches in circumference. 

Milton Manbeck raised a pumpkin 
that weighed 82 pounds and measures 
over 7 feet in circumference. 

James Dreese has a pumpkin vine 
that bears 23 pumpkins. 

Mr. Walter, residingon John Bing- 
aman's farm, raised an ear of corn 
that measured 17 inches in length. 



WILLIAM H. KEMPFER. 

Mr. Kempfer was born Oct. 25, 1878, his parents 
being Jonathan O. and Rebecca Kempfer. At the 
age of 17 he entered the Herald Publishing House 
as an apprentice and served five years. He then 
gave up the printing trade to attend Susquehanna 
Academy at Selinsgrove, Pa., and later entered 
Susquehanna University. In his second year at 
this institution he was awarded the sophomore 
prize for highest class standing and the Philoma- 




trian prize for best literary essay. With the 
intention of making forestry his profession he 
secured a position as forest student in the U. S. 
Forest Service and left Susquehanna University 
during his junior year to take up this work. After 
serving in this capacity a little more than a year 
he procured a leave of absence in order to pursue 
technical forestrp studies at the University of 
Michigan and graduated at that institution with 
the class of '06 with the degree of Bachelor of 
Arts. While there he was elected a member of 
the Sigma Xi in recognition of his abilities as a 
student. Having passed the civil service examina- 
tion for forest assistant to the U. S. Forest Ser- 
vice, he received an appointment July 1, IQ06, and 
is now engaged in that work. 



Herald, July 19. 1888. 

Mrs. Isaac Romig, 84 years old, 
worked in the harvest field binding 
sheaves one whole afternoon last 
week. 

In 1819 ice was half an inch thick 
in May, frost and Ice were common 
in June and also in July and August. 



Herald, July 22, 1887. 

J. E. Forrester shipped about 160 
gallons of ice cream last Friday and 
Saturday and retailed over 29 gallons 
in this town. He had orders for 
about 20 gallons more which he could 
not fill. 



SONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



E. W. P. BENFER. tional Bank of McClure, Pa., as cashier, having 

Mr. Binfer was born Aug. 7, 1884, his parents been unanim()us!>' elected to that position by the 

being M. W. S. and Jennie Benfer. He complet- board of directors. The first year's business of 

ed a commercial course in Keller's Business this successful institution, ending June 30, 1906, 




College, Lev. isburg; afterwards served as time shows the results of the careful management of 

clerk for the Standard Steel Works, Burnham, Mr. Benfer, who was the youngest cashier in the 

Pa., for a period of two years and a half. On state when elected to the position, being onlj' 1^ 

.July 1, 1Q05, he took charge of the new First Na- years, 10 months of age. 



Body of Grant K. Camp Found. 

On Tuesday, June 12, 1888, the 
body of Grant K. Camp, of Beaver- 
town, was found in a field a mile 
west of town, in a badly decomposed 
state, having lain in the rays of a 
hot sun for four days. The man had 
committed suicide, caused by a mel- 
ancholy attack. Adam Smith, J. P., 
impanelled the following jury: J. 
G. Mover, foreman, Henry Ulsh, 
Thomas J. Keller, Reuben Klose, 
Jacob Greenhoe and Hon. A. S. Hel- 
frich. Drs. A. M. Smith and J. O. 
Wagner were the examining physi- 
cians. The jury rendered the follow- 
ing verdict: "That G. K. Camp, of 
Beavertown, on or about the 8th day 
of June, A.D. 1888, in the said Til- 
man Romig'sfield, then and there be- 
ing alone in said field, not having the 
fear of God before his eyes, but being 
moved and seduced by the instiga- 
tion of the devil, then and there vol- 



untarily and feloniously, as a felon 
of himself, killed and murdered with 
one shot, etc., against the peace and 
dignity of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania." The Overseers of 
the Poor of Beaver township com- 
mitted the body for burial to W. J. 
Klose and Philip Zong. Asthebody, 
in its decomposed state, could not 
be moved, it was buried where found. 



Fatal Boiler Explosion. 

The boiler of the engine used on 
Henry Dietrich's saw-mill, four 
miles southwest of town, at Shade 
mountain exploded with terrific 
force Thursday afternoon, Oct. 25, 
1888, injuring the sawyer, Cyrus, 
son of Henry Dietrich, so badly that 
he died in two hours after. Ephraim 
Kline, the fireman, was severely 
scalded by the steam and hot water, 
but soon recovered. 



SONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



CLAUDE H. KL05E. 

Claude H. Klose, son of William J. and Mary 
E. (nee Dreese) Klose; was born July 13, 1871; 
was educated in the common schools, learned 



the United States. He is still with this firm and 
is one of their most successful salesmen. He 
joined the Reformed church in youth at Beaver 
Springs; was married Aug. 10, 1802, to Miss 
Blanche Bolig, daughter of Valentine Bolig, of 




telegraphy and was employed by the Sunbury & 
Lewistown branch of the P. R. R. for eight years 
and resigned his position to engage in the mer- 
cantile business with his brother, Charles R. 
Klose, at Beaver Springs, for a year or more, 
then sold out to J. B. Spangler and .John D. 
Haines. Then, in 1896, became commercial agentor 
traveling salesman for the grocery firm of Whit- 
man, Schwarz Co., Harrisburg, Pa. After serv- 
ing with this firm for about three years he re- 
signed to accept a more lucrative position with 
the Reid Tobacco Co., of Milton, Pa., one of the 
largest local distributors of tobacco and cigars in 



Selinsgrove, and with his family of one son, Jos- 
eph, and two daughters, Bessie M. and May B.. 
reside in Milton. 



Marriages. 

Mar. 18, 1875, by Rev. Edmonds, 
Samuel Shirey to Mary McClellan, 
both of Adamsburg. 

Jan. 9, 1877, by Rev. J. E. Honey- 
cut, John I. Bingaman to Frances C. 
Ewig, both of Adams township. 



SONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



G. A. LAUB. 

Mr. Laub is a son of Henry H. Laub, Sr.. and 
his wife Louisa. He was born near Beaver 
Springs on the 15th day of March, 1873, and lived 




ADAM SMITH. 

Mr. Smith is a son of John D. and Hannah 
Smith; was born near Troxelville, Snyder Co., 
Pa., June 12, 1855, and spent his boyhood days on 
the farm near Troxelvilledurinjcthe summer and 
attended school in the winter up to the spring of 
1870, after which he went to school at F'reeburg, 
New Berlin, Kutztown State Normal and Selins- 
grove. He taught his first term of public school 
in Beaver township, (now Adamsl during the 
fall of 1873 and spring of 1874. Then followed the 
profession of teaching t\\o terrns at Adamsburg, 
Pa. .during the fall of 1874, 1875 and spring of 1876; 
moved to Beavertown in the fall of 1876, when he 
was in the employ of A. H. Bowersox, general 
merchant, for a feu' years; removed to Adams- 
burg and again engaged in the teaching of public 
and private or select school, teaching the higher 
grade of the Adamsburg schools for a number of 
years during the winter and select or normal dur- 
ing the summer months, at the same time hold- 
ing the office of Justice of the Peace, which office 
he held for eleven years, having been appointed 
by Gov. Hoyt for the term of one year in 187Q and 
twice re-elected by the public thereafter. He en- 
tered into the mercantile business with W. J. 
Klose under the firm name of Klose & Smith in 
1882; dissolved partnership in 1887; remained in 
the mercantile business until the spring of I8Q7. 
He helped to plant the I. O. O. P. No. 566 in 
Adamsburg, of which he has the honor of being 
its first Noble Grand and still retains his mem- 
bership; moved to Berwick, Pa., in May, I8P7. em- 
ployed by the Berwick Store Co., Ltd., for six 
\ears; resigned the position upon receiving the 



in the \ icinity until he reached his maturity. He 
is at present a resident of Berwick, Pa., where 
he has resided for the past eight years and holds 
a lucrative position in the mammoth works of 
the American Car and Foundry Company as a 
rougher in the finishing of bar iron in the rolling 
mill department. He is an active participant in 
municipal affairs, having been secretary of the 
Board of Education for four years and was re- 
cently re-elected for another term and has done 
much to advance educational facilities in the bor- 
ough; is active in church and Sunday school 
work, having been superintendent of a thriving 
Sunda>' school for four years, the school having 
reached the highest standard of excellence in Col- 
umbia county; is interested in fraternal organiza- 
tions and is an active member in Trades Unionism, 
holding a responsible and very important office 
as a member of the Executive Board of the Amal- 
gamated .'\ssociation of Iron, Steel and Tin 
Workers of the U. S. 



Deaths. 

John F-elker died near town June 
24, 1889, aged 88 years, 6 months and 
1 day. 

Dr. H. J. Smith died Monday morn- 
ing, Sept. 16, 1889, from paralysis of 

the heart. He was aged 38 years and appointment of general agent for The Fidelity 

was a graduate of Jefferson Medical Mutual Life insurance Co.. of Philadelphia, Pa.. 

^ ,, r r-.i •. 1 . . • beginning April 1, 1103. His residence and office 

College of Philadelphia. is at 225 E. 4th street, Berwick, Pa. 




SONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS. 



JOHN M. RAUCH. 

Mr. Rauch, of McClure, Pa., is a son of Lewis 
and Melinda (Huffnaglet Rauch and was born at 
Mifflin. Juniata Co., Pa., August 12, 1874. He 
became a citizen of Snyder Co. in his boyhood 



Past Captain of Henry K. Ritter Camp No. 65 and 
a member of the Reformed church at Beaver 
Springs. He is one of the most talented music- 
ians in the central part of the state and is at pre- 
sent leader and manager of the S. of V. band of 
McClure. He was married to Miss Carrie Wil- 




and has remained so since. He has been an em- Hams, of Bloomsburg, Pa., which union was 

ployee of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company blessed with two daughters, Pauline Catherine 

for nine years and is now serving as agent at and Dorothea Beatrice, aged seven and four 

McClure station. He is a member and strong years respectively. The older daughter is quite 

advocate of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers; an accomplished organist for her age. 



Q 



Moses Specht was one of the prin- 
cipal proprietors of the Lewistown 
railroad, serving as director during 
the period of construction. He se- 
cured subscriptions for the enterprise 
to the amount of $30,000, collecting 
and paying the entire sum into the 
treasury. Besides this he secured 
the gratuitous right of way for eigh- 
teen miles of road, with unincumber- 
ed titles to the lands for the location 
of stations at McClure, Beaver 
Springs, Beavertown, Paxtonville, 
Middleburg and Kreamer, devoting a 
whole summer to the work without 
any compensation. In 1879 he took 
the contract for two miles of the 



hardest section of grading then be- 
ing constructed and did the work at 
a cost of $11,000, putting fifty-eight 
thousand loadsof dirtatone "filling." 



At that time the people most all 
rode on horseback; buggies or light 
wagons were unknown around there. 
I remember Mollie Dreese, a daugh- 
ter of Jacob Dreese, and sister of 
Reuben and Abraham Dreese, often 
came to our mill with a grist, on 
horseback. - George P. Long. 



Died. 

Oct. 7, 1884, Howard Price, aged 19 
years, 5 months and 8 days. 



SONS OF BEAVEH SPIJIXCS 



REV. C. M. AURAND. 

Rev. Charles Monroe Aurand, A. M., the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was born near Beaver Springs 
on Oct. 22, 1855. His parents, Isaac and Caroline 




Aurand, residing on the larrn, it was his good 
fortune to spend his early life as a "farmer boy." 
The sights and scenes of youth will abide with 
him in memory to his dying day, and often, when 
in a state of reverie, there is a deep yearning for 
the return of just one bright boyhood week on 



the old farm. On the 15th day of .lune, ]S.7?i, he 
was received into full church fellowship by the 
rite of confirmation, after being duly instructed 
by the pa.'-tor. Rev. W. K. Wieand. The class 
was a large one, some of whom remain and oth- 
ers have "passed over." The early school days 
of "Charlie" Aurand were similar to those of all 
the other boys of the community. In this case 
it was the "little red school house" on the cross 
roads that furnished the scene of conflict with the 
"three R's." Victory over the smaller antagon- 
ists, caused him to look around for other worlds 
to conquer. Hence, on Aug. -1, 1X7.^, he bid fare- 
well to home and fireside to enter the arena of 
college life. Of the toils and trials, tears and 
temptations on one side, and the triumphs and 
timbrels of joy on the other, during eight years 
following, nothing shall be said. '1 he Keystone 
State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., the Blooms- 
burg State Normal School, and Suspuehanna 
llniversity, Selinsgrove, Pa., excite memories 
all too sacred for revelation. The first half of 
these years were spent v\ith the purpose of mak- 
ing law his profession. But Providence dispo.^ed 
otherwise and so when a call to the Gospel min- 
i-try was olainly recognized he consulted not with 
flesh and blood but heeded and obeyed. With a 
change of purpose came a change of studies: in- 
stead of reading law he entered the theological 
department of Susquehanna llniversity, from 
which he graduated in May, 1882, and was ordain- 
ed by the Central Penna. Synod in the same 
year. The subject of this sketch has served the 
following parishes: Milroy. Pa., and Maytown, 
Pa., five years: Zion Hvan. Lutheran church, 
Williamsport, Md., four years; Christ Ilnglish 
Lutheran church, Trenton, N. J., three years; 
Holy Trinity Lutheran church, Berwick, Pa., six 
years, and is now serving the charge at Martins- 
burg, Pa. He was married to .'Xnnie Greenhoe, 
a daughter of Reuben Greenhoe and wife and 
two children have blessed this union: Gertrude 
Granville Aurand. B. A., a graduate of Irving 
college, and Charles Greenhoe Aurand, who is 
now attending college at Gettysburg. Gertrude 
is married to Rev. H. C. Michael, an IZvan. Luth- 
eran minister serving a charge at Wilmerding. 
Pa. 



:Ea: 




RcsidciU'c and IJiiiik lUiilding of Hon. A. M. Smith, ^\.l). 



i^ONS OF BEAVER SPRINOJS. 



J. FRANK YOUNGMAN. 

J. Frank Youngman was born at Beaver 
Springs. Sept. 4. 1875, his parents being Wm. H. 
and Orpha Youngman. He attended the public 




schools of Beaver Sprinirs, Beavertown and Mil- 
heim for about ten years; learned telegraphy in 
18Q2 and '03. In the spring of 18Q4 he went to Sa- 
lem, Va., entered the employ of Messrs. Leas & 
McVitty.of Philadelphia, engaged in the manufac- 
ture of leather. Mr. Youngman at this period was 
19 years of age, and by close attention to the busi- 
ness and applying the proverbial Penna. pluck 
and energy, he, at the age of 21 years, became 
assistant superintendent of one of their large 
plants. At the age of 24 years he was promoted 
to superintendent, having full charge of one of 
their largest tanneries, located at Bluff City, Va., 
a position he has held up to the present time. He 
has made an entire success of the business, both 
to his employers as well as himself, and is a good 
example for any young man starting out in life. 
His prospects for the future are very bright and 
he is one of the most successful young men that 
claims Beaver Springs as his former home. Mr. 
Youngman is a member of the order of F. & A. 
M. of Pearisburg (Va.) Lodge. On Dec. 15, 1808. 
he was married to Mary M. Raudenbush, daugh- 
ter of J. F. Raudenbush, and one son, J. f-rank, 
Jr., was born to them Sept. 10, I8Q9. 



CHARLES F. GUNDRUM. 

Mr. Gundrum is a son of Samuel and Amelia 
(nee Roush) Gundrum and was born Aug. 8, 
1870. He left home in 1888 for Pittsburg, remain- 
ed there three months and then left for Chicago, 
Ills., where he was employed as painter for the 
Illinois Central R. R. Co. and in three years was 
promoted to the foremanship of that concern. 
About that time the Klondyke gold discovery in 
Alaska was made public and Mr. Gundrum made 
up his mind to try his fortune in that far-off 
country. He was one of the early settlers of 
Dawson City, one of the principal towns in the 
gold district, and has a number of paying claims 
in various parts of the territory. He has lived 
there nine years, during which time he has paid 
one visit home to his mother and sister Ruth. 




Mr. Gundrum sometimes comes down from Alas- 
ka to Seattle, Wash., to spend the winter and 
thus avoid the intense cold of the far north. He 
is a hardy, strong young man, and his friends 
hope he will some day, after having amassed a 
fortune, come back and settle down in his native 
town. 



Died* 

Nov. 2, 1891, Mary, wife of Samuel 
Shirey, aged 37 years, 7 months and 
18 days. 



Deaths. 

June 29, 1903, Isaac Aurand, aged 
76 years, 6 months and 12 days. 

April 23, 1906, William H. Specht, 
aged 52 years, 11 months and 12 days. 

May 29, 1895, Isaac Wetzel, aged 51 
years and 10 months. 



SONS OF BEAVER SIMJINCiS 



REV. SAMUEL F. GREENHOE. 

Rev. Qreenhoe is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth 
Qreenhoe and is a Kraduate of the college at Se- 





Lewistown Lodge No. 204, F-. & A. M., the Ashlar 
Society of Lykens and the PennsyKania German 
Society. 

linsgrove. Pa. He gave twenty-four years of ISAAC BILGER. 

hard and faithful service to the Evangelical Lu- Mr. Bilger is a son of William I. Bilger and 

theran church of the General Synod of America "^'^^ ^"'^ ^'^^ ^"''" "''="" f"'^'''^ «■" Springs Jan. 4. 
as a minister. Is located at Dallastown, Pa. 



FRANK EDMONDS SHAMBAUGH. 

Mr. Shambaugh is a son of Howard M. and 
Jane Elizabeth Shambaugh and was born in 
Beaver Springs, Dec. 28, 1877. At the age of six- 
teen he was engaged as a teacher in the public 
schools of West Beaver township and later in 
Spring township, Snyder Co., and Brown town- 
ship, Mifflin Co. Having moved to Reedsville, 
he attended the Reedsville Academy and the 
Reedsville Classical High School. In the fall of 
1808 he entered the F'reshman class of Susque- 
hanna University, from which institution he 
graduated four years later with high honors. 
While there he was prominently identified with 
the athletic and social life of the college, having 
held most of the offices in the various student 
organizations. He also was a member of the 
Philomatrian Society. After graduation, being 
led by a desire for teaching he refused a number 
of lucrative positions in other professions, to or- 
ganize the Delaware Twp. High S;hool in North- 
umberland Co., Pa., which he left to assume 
the duties of the Supervising Principalship of 
the Wiconisco, Pa., schools, where he has re- 
mained to the present time. He was married to 
Miss Eva Pontius. They have one child, Harold 
Ethelbert. Prof. Shambaugh is the present 
Chancellor Commander of Lykens Lodge No. 
I0() Knights of Pythias, Financial secretary of 




1850. He has for years been located at West 
Lodi, Ohio, where he is a successful contractor 



Camp No. 148. P. (). S. of A. and a member ()f of stone, brick, and plastering work. 



VIEWS OF BEAVER SPKINXiS 




pa,/ 



jNIain Strcit, Looking East. 




Market Street, Peola, Looking West. (Suburb of Beaver Springs.) 



Libraries. 
Through the efforts of A. M. Aur- 
and, Sr., a small Free Library was 
established here in July, 1906, with 
A. Monroe Aurand, Jr., as librarian. 
Mr. Aurand, Sr., owns a private li- 
brary of 2,500 volumes to which ac- 
cess is also given to anyone, free of 
charge. 



Marriagfes. 

Jan. 13, 1898, by Rev. Landis, Fred- 
erick Holsapple and Mary E. Snook, 
both of Adamsburg. 

October 6, 1892, by Rev. Landis, 
Henry C. Lepley and Mary S. Baum- 
gardner, both of Adamsburg. 



SONS OF I'.EAVFH SIMUNCS. 



HOWARD M. SCHAMBACH. 

Mr. Shambaugh is a son of John and Catha- 
rine Shambaugh and was born March 26, 1854. 
At the age of 17 years he started to learn wagon 
making with his father and worked at this trade 
until Ma\-, 1S7(). In May, 1876, he started to 



Co. and has done the brickwork for 13 churches. 
He is the only one of the family in the Hast, the 




rest being all in Kansas. He moved to Lewis- 
to\\n t ^•ears ago, and is at present contracting 
brick work. 



work on the track for the Penns>lvania Railroad 
Company' and was promoted to extra track fore- 
man in I'ebruary, 1880. and to regular track fore- 
man July Isl, 1805, on Sub Division No. 3 on the 
M. & C. Branch, P. R. R. at Reedsville, Mifflin 
County, Pa. He was later transferred to Sub- 
Divisioh No. 5. at Lewistown on the S. & L. Mr. 
Shambaugh was married February 22, 1877, to 
Elizabeth Jane Strieker, of Beavertown, and one 
child F'rank Edmonds, was born Dec. 28, 1877: has 
been a member of the Reformed church sincel873, 
and was confirmed by Rev. L, C. Edmonds. Mr.. 
Shambaugh resided at Beaver Springs fr<)m 
April 1877, to Sept. 1895, and at Reedsville, Mifflin 
Co., from Sept. 1895. to Oct. 1905, and lives at 
Lewistown at present. 



WILLARD MECHTLEY. 

Mr. Mechtley was born in Troxelville. His 
parents moved to Adamsburg when he was a- 
bout l() years old, his father being a brickla>'er, 
and young Mechtley started bricklaying when 
he was only 12 years old and has been working 
at his trade ever since, a period of 39 years. His 
parents went to Emporia, Kansas, a good many 
yciirs ago where] his father died. He did lots 
of bricklaying in his time, especiariy in Centre 



Centennial Committees. 

Transportation— Hurle.v Romig. O. C.Cower- 
so\, W. H. Thomas. 

Historical— W. J. Klose, Dr. A. M. Smith, J. 
F. Keller, Esq., S. S. Bachman. L. R. Haines. 

Music A. W. Musser, K. C. Walter, D. F. 
Spaid. 

Athletics— W. E. Stahlnecker, Dr. C.G.Smith, 
J. W. Bowersox. 

Reception— G. D. Lantz, Albright Dreese, I. 
M. Felker, P. H. Knepp, J. D. Dreese. David 
Getz, W. W. Bingaman, W. H. Dreese, J. C. 
Schambach. 

Fantastic Parade Chas. H. Wagner, W. H. 
Sanders, Wm. A. Romig, David Getz, C.C. Gross. 

Industrial— J. W. Bowersox, K. C. Walter, C. 

F. Bressler, J. A. Wagner, F. W. Gundrum, J. F. 
Raudenbush, Chas. W. Haines, W. F. Haines, 
Reuben Markley, J. M. Baker, J. O. Klingler, M. 
(). Felker, F. W. Dreese. Jacob Felker, G. M. 
Smith, I-red Raught. 

Ceremonies - Dr.A. M.Smith, Rev. W.M.Spang- 
ler, H. I. Romig, Rev. F. W. Brown. J. F. Kel- 
ler, Esq. 

Decoration— Dr. J. O.Wagner, Samuel Wern- 
er, W. S. Miller, F. P. Decker, C. O. Greenhoe. 
Chas. H. Getz, W. H. Reigle, Foster Smith. II. 

G. Manbeck. Anis Gross, J. W. Snook, J. l-orry 
Snook. 



SONS OF BEAVER SPRINGS 



AMBROSE WARREN AURAND. 

Ambrose Warren Aurand was born near Bea- 
ver Springs, Pa., on Oct. 11, 1878. At the early 
age of ten years he entered the neuspaper office 
of his brother to learn the art of printing. By 
close attention to his duties he v.as given the fore- 
manship ofthe A. M. Aurand Printing and Pub- 
lishing House in 1893, which position he held 
continuously until April 1, 1904. On Jan. 1, 1903, 
he commenced the publication of the Fanciers' 
Guide, a poultry and pet stock journal, which roon 
reached a wide circulation, covering the United 
States and Canada. On April 1, 1904. Mr. Aur- 
and, through his untiring work in placing the 
publications of the Aurand Printing House on a 




Pennsylvania. In connection with the publica- 
tion of the Sunbury News, he conducts an up-to- 
date book, stationery and office supply store as 
well as a first-class printing establishment. Not 
only does he devote his time to the above busi- 
ness, but he is well versed in advertising matters. 
He controls the entire publicity of the Sunbury 
Novelty Works, of Sunbury, Pa., a corporation 
placing patented novelties upon the market, which 
is one of the largest manufacturers of its kind in 
the United States. He writes, designs and di- 
rects all the advertising literature and places the 
advertising all over the United States and 
Canada for this company. Mr. Aurand is a 
great poultry and pet stock fancier and has again 
established a live poultry journal. The Keystone 
Fancier, which already has the brightest assur- 
ance of success. In politics Mr. Aurand is a 
staunch Republican, taking an active interest in 
all campaigns. In social and business circles he 
has many friends of a wide acquaintance cover- 
ing the State. He is a member of numerous 
secret organizations, among them being the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of the 
Golden Eagle, Patriotic Order Sons of America, 
and Sons of Veterans. He is also a member of 
the Pennsylvania State Editorial Association, 
Pennsylvania Fanciers' Association, Sunbury 
Fire Co. No. 1, Sunbury Business Men's Asso- 
ciation and an active member of the Sunbury 
Board of Trade. He united with the Evangelical 
Lutheran church at an early age and takes an 
active interest in church work. He united in 
marriage Oct. 21, 1897, at Beaver Springs by Rev. 
B; F.Kautz, to Miss Hettie M. Hartley, daughter 
of AAr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Hartley, of McClure, 
Pa., which union has been blessed with two chil- 
dren, one daughter, Carrie Hartley, born Jan. 26, 
1899, and one son, Alton William, born June 22, 
1902. The subject of this sketch is a son of Sam- 
uel F. Aurand and his wife Ellen E., residing at 
Beaver Springs. 



high standard and his ability in handling the 
work, was given the business and general man- 
agmentofhis brother's plant, and in order to 
give his entire time to same, disposed of- his 
poultry journal to good advantage. On ."Kpril 1, 
1905, he relinquished his position as business 
manager of his brother's plant and established 
the Plain Dealer, a local weekly paper at Mc- 
Clure, Pa., which proved to be a success from the 
start. In May, 1905, he was appointed Notary 
Public at McClure by Governor Pennypacker. 
After publishing the paper for nearly a year Mr. 
Auraad availed himself of the opportunity to dis- 
pose of his printing plant early in March of 1906, 
and removed to Sunbury, Pa., to enter a wider 
field of work. Here the first issue of the Sun- 
bury News was brought before the public April 
14, 1906, and from the very outset it gained wide 
prominence and patronage covering central 



Officers of the Beaver Spring:s Cen- 
tennial Association, J 906. 
President, A. M. Aurand. 
1st Vice President, J. B. Spangler. 
2nd Vice President, D. F. Spaid. 
Secretary, H. 1. Romig. 
Treasurer, Hon. A. M. Smith. 



CHIEF MARSHALS OF PARADE. 

Industrial Parade, W. F. Haines. 
Fantastic Parade, W. H. Sanders. 
Secret Society Parade, Hon. A. M. 
Smith. 



MARRIED. 
Sept. 25, 1898, by Rev. Schoch, Augustus Bad- 
man of Coal township, Northumberland county, 
to Rebecca Rearick of Adamsburg. 



VIKWS OF r.KAVEIJ SPIJIXCS 







NorthAvc'st Comer of the I'ark in whieli the (Vntennial Celi'hratioii Took 
Place. Cam J) of (Jypsies in Foreground. 




The U. S. Mail, two-horse wagon, ready to leave f^.eaver Springs for 
Troxelville. Two trips between these towns are made daily. W. F. Blee, 
carrier. 




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